Washington Post journalist explains why email criticized by Eric Trump is normal protocol

Washington Post reporter David Farenthold on Friday explained why an email he sent that Eric Trump criticized is normal journalistic protocol.

“This is a kind of an email I send all the time,” said Farenthold, who covers the Trump Organization, in a video the Post tweeted. “A lot of journalism is finding people who know something you want to know … [and] reaching out and making connections with people who might be able to help you.”

He added: “There’s really no other way to make that connection, other than taking that first step.” 

Post reporter David A. @Fahrenthold talks about his reporting on the Trump Organization.

His stories are here: https://t.co/cQK6CTe03j pic.twitter.com/XcPXoFe890

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 6, 2019

Farenthold emphasized the importance of keeping tabs on the Trump Organization, given President Trump’s continued ties to the company.{mosads}

“We’ve never had a president like this that kept ownership of his business and brought it with him to the White House,” Farenthold said. “You can’t understand what’s happening with him unless you understand what’s happening with his businesses.”

Farenthold’s comments come hours after Eric Trump posted a screenshot of an email Farenthold sent to a Trump Organization employee and blasted the reporter for providing his contact information and offering to take information.

In Farenthold’s email, he wrote: “I’m very sorry to bother. I’m a reporter for the Washington Post, and I cover the Trump Organization as a business. As part of that, I try to make sure every Trump Org employee has my contact information. You know the company so much better than I ever could. I’d like your help to make sure I don’t miss something important.

“If you ever want to get in touch with me, I’d be glad to talk ‘on background,’ meaning I’d never use your name in any story, or tell anyone else that we spoke. All my contact information is below, including details for how to reach me on encrypted apps,” Farenthold continued.

These are the tactics used by the @WashingtonPost. @JeffBezos – you should be very proud… pic.twitter.com/9RO91n7XGX

— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) September 6, 2019

Reporters from multiple news outlets took to Twitter to defend Farenthold, arguing his email was professional and well within normal conduct as a journalist.