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Did Obama say press is supposed to be skeptical during final news conference?

Obama did indeed state that the press should be skeptical during his final press conference.

Politics Last checked Oct 19, 2026

Key points

  • During his final press conference as President, Obama explicitly encouraged skepticism from journalists.
  • He emphasized the importance of a free and critical press in a democracy.
  • This statement aligns with his overall approach to transparency and accountability.

Explanation

In his final press conference on January 19, 2017, President Barack Obama stated that he appreciated journalists being skeptical. He highlighted the role of a free press in holding leaders accountable. This comment was part of a broader discussion on media freedom and its importance for democracy.

Sources