Christiane Amanpour, a prominent CNN journalist, recently shared her apprehensions about traveling to the United States, likening her preparation to visiting a repressive regime. Born in London, Amanpour voiced her fears during an episode of her podcast, “The Ex–Files,” co-hosted with her ex-husband Jamie Rubin. She revealed that she brought a “burner phone” with minimal contacts to safeguard herself, reflecting concerns over potential scrutiny at the border due to her status as a non-citizen.
During her visit to Boston for a speech at Harvard Kennedy School, Amanpour expressed her trepidation, noting stories of foreigners, including British citizens, being detained for extensive questioning upon arrival in the U.S. However, she emphasized her relief following a pleasant encounter with an immigration officer, who appreciated her journalistic contributions.
Amanpour, known for her courageous reporting during the Bosnia conflict, encouraged graduates to pursue careers abroad, underscoring the importance of public service in addressing global challenges. She criticized political developments in the U.S., particularly under the Trump administration, which she compared to authoritarian practices.
In light of recent actions against Harvard, where federal efforts to revoke the university’s student and exchange visitor program coincided with accusations against it regarding campus safety for Jewish students, Amanpour maintained confidence in journalism’s resilience. She called upon graduates to become advocates for truth and integrity, highlighting the ongoing need for factual reporting amidst a climate of misinformation.
This article portrays a significant moment for Amanpour as she encourages the next generation of leaders while addressing pressing societal issues. Her experiences reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and freedom of the press in current U.S. politics, and underscore the critical role journalists play in advocating for democracy.