'We can mute that line': State Department cuts off reporter trying to ask about Bolton's book during censorship briefing.
WASHINGTON – During a briefing on Chinese propaganda and press censorship, the State Department's chief spokeswoman muted the line of a reporter who tried to ask a question about John Bolton's explosive new book and attacked a second reporter who followed up.
In the book, Bolton writes that President Donald Trump offered various concessions to Xi Jinping in exchange for China's help winning his 2020 re-election.
The State Department held the call to brief reporters on a decision Monday to designate four Chinese news organizations as state-controlled foreign missions – essentially labeling them propaganda outlets.
She argued the State Department's press office is highly responsive and that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regularly answers reporters' questions.
However, the State Department's press office often fails to respond to journalists' questions, particularly on controversial topics.
China quickly retaliated by expelling journalists for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post from China. »
