These are sobering times in the life of our nation. As journalists, we are all too aware that President-elect Donald Trump holds our profession in contempt; he has condoned the idea of violence against journalists, and has threatened to use the powers of the state against reporters and editors whose work offends him.
Given the widespread public concern that media outlets may be tempted to modulate coverage to placate the incoming administration, I want to reassure our readers that we have no intention of changing the way we approach our mission here at Vanity Fair. Our principles remain clear. We believe in freedom, democracy, and decency. We oppose racism, misogyny, xenophobia, and fascism. And we believe that a fearless, independent press, as enshrined in the US Constitution, is a crucial bulwark against authoritarianism.
Vanity Fair does not have an opinion section or an editorial board, but we do have a license to articulate the truth through fair and accurate reporting. Our commitment to you is to demonstrate integrity as we live up to our principles and follow the truth, wherever it may lead us. We see value and strength in our ability to express a point of view. But trust me: There is not a White House in living memory, including the current one, that hasn’t complained to us at times that our reporting has made it look bad. We do not shy away from a tough story because it might offend this or any administration, or any other nexus of power, and we will continue writing and reporting without fear.
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