Category: Attack the Press

Pam Bondi Erodes Press Protections, Reviving Trump-era Threats to Journalism

The U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has retracted critical protections for journalists put in place during the Biden administration, allowing federal investigators to access communications from media organizations in leak investigations. This move signals a troubling shift in the Justice Department’s stance, corresponding with the Trump administration’s continued hostility towards news outlets it perceives as adversarial.

In a memo obtained by CNN, Bondi claims that the previous administration offered excessive protections to media outlets and accused them of engaging in selective leaking. She stated, “Safeguarding classified, privileged, and other sensitive information is essential to effective government and law enforcement,” further asserting that unauthorized disclosures undermine Trump’s policies and harm the American people.

This policy reversal comes after the Trump administration had previously engaged in aggressive actions against journalists and their sources, signaling a return to tactics reminiscent of that era. Under Bondi, the Justice Department is expected to pursue inquiries into individuals leaking documents to the press, which could further threaten journalistic independence.

While Bondi assures that procedural protections will remain to limit the pursuit of news organization records, the implications of her memo suggest a reinvigorated approach to investigating media leaks. Advocates for press freedom, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, emphasize that historical significant journalism depended on the protection of confidential sources, which is now at risk.

Journalistic integrity is under siege as this shift underscores the ongoing struggle between a free press and an administration that seeks to silence dissenting voices and manipulate news coverage to its advantage. The ramifications for investigative journalism and the broader implications for democracy are grave, as trust in the media continues to be undermined by authoritarian tendencies.

(h/t: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/25/politics/justice-department-journalists-leaks/index.html)

60 Minutes Executive Producer Resigns Amid Trump-Driven Press Pressure

The executive producer of 60 Minutes, Bill Owens, announced his resignation, citing a loss of journalistic independence amid Donald Trump’s targeted attacks on the program. In a memo to staff, Owens expressed his inability to continue leading the show in a manner consistent with its long-standing values, stating, “I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it.” This resignation comes during a tumultuous time for the program, which has faced increasing pressure since Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS News.

Owens’ exit shocked the staff and executives at 60 Minutes, revealing deep concerns within the organization over Trump’s unfounded allegations of “unlawful and illegal behavior.” Sources indicated that there was widespread dismay among employees, as they felt Owens had stood firm against Trump’s pressures, which has only intensified since Trump disparaged the show on social media, claiming its reporting was “fraudulent” without providing any credible evidence.

Trump’s ongoing grievance stems from an interview with Kamala Harris that he deemed unfairly edited, a perspective that many in the network view as an infringement on editorial autonomy. As the situation escalates, controlling shareholder Shari Redstone’s motivations for settling Trump’s lawsuit raised concerns about compromising journalistic integrity and autonomy, as many staff members fear surrendering to Trump’s relentless campaigns against critical media outlets.

Despite Owens’ departure, he assured that 60 Minutes would persist in its mission to cover future administrations with the same commitment to integrity. His resignation is considered both a courageous stand for independent journalism and a troubling sign of the increasing attacks on press freedom. Experts warn that Trump’s actions could embolden his critics and further threaten the independence of media reporting.

Owens’ departure follows a historical precedent in which 60 Minutes, revered for its investigative journalism, now faces the challenge of protecting its editorial mission against the backdrop of increasing political interference. CBS News President Wendy McMahon reiterated her commitment to the program, although uncertainty looms over how the show will navigate its future in the wake of political pressure from powerful figures like Trump.

Trump’s Dangerous Misinformation Campaign Targets Immigrants and Undermines Justice

In a deeply troubling display of misinformation, President Donald Trump recently called for legal repercussions against Democrats and media members who supported Kilmar Ábrego García, a man wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Trump accused those defending García of perpetuating a “dangerous LIE,” branding him as a member of the violent MS-13 gang despite the absence of any substantive evidence supporting this claim. His remarks highlight a dangerous tendency to vilify immigrants and those advocating for human rights.

Trump’s rhetoric demonstrates a blatant disregard for both the facts of García’s case and the judicial processes involved. Two separate courts had explicitly ruled on García’s wrongful deportation, underscoring the administration’s failure to comply with legal guidelines and basic human rights. By framing this situation as an attack on America’s security rather than an injustice, Trump continues his ongoing campaign of fear-mongering, which serves to rally his base while undermining judicial integrity.

His assertive statements suggest a chilling comfort with escalating tensions surrounding immigrants, reflecting a broader Republican strategy that uses immigration as a divisive political weapon. By labeling opponents as “Radical Lunatic Democrats” and dismissing legitimate concerns for García’s rights as “unAmerican,” Trump not only stokes discriminatory sentiments but also reinforces a narrative that prioritizes punitive measures over justice and compassion.

This pattern of disregard extends beyond individual cases, revealing Trump’s administration’s systemic approach to ignoring court orders and promoting xenophobic policies. Such defiance of the judiciary raises serious questions about the administration’s respect for the rule of law and reflects a larger trend of authoritarian governance where dissent is met with aggression rather than reasoned debate.

Ultimately, Trump’s comments appeal to his base while undermining the legal system meant to guarantee justice and fairness for all, especially the most vulnerable. In a democracy, accountability should extend to all, including those at the highest levels of government who perpetuate harmful narratives against marginalized communities.

(h/t: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-held-responsible-court/)

FCC Chief Targets Comcast Over News Distortion Amid Trump Administration’s Media Attack

Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has launched a campaign against Comcast’s news outlets, threatening their broadcasting licenses due to alleged “news distortion” regarding immigration coverage. This attack is a continuation of the Trump administration’s broader war on independent media that challenges its authoritarian narratives.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung sparked controversy by criticizing CNN and MSNBC for how they reported on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia’s deportation contradicts a court order and was deemed illegal by a federal court, yet the Trump administration has defied this ruling, refusing to facilitate his return.

During a recent press briefing, only Fox News covered a mother’s plea regarding her daughter’s murder by an undocumented immigrant, whereas CNN and MSNBC were criticized for ignoring the testimony, fueling the narrative that these outlets are complicit in misinformation. Cheung’s assertion highlighted the administration’s apparent prioritization of emotional anecdotes over factual reporting.

In response to Cheung’s comments, Carr quote-tweeted him, alleging that Comcast news outlets deliberately misled the public about Abrego Garcia’s criminal status, branding him merely a “Maryland man”, while omitting his history as a gang member and potential danger. This reflects the growing mistrust toward mainstream media practices under the Trump regime, where misinformation is weaponized to serve political ends.

Carr’s aggressive stance illustrates the dangerous intersection of government and media, with the Trump administration using regulatory threats to intimidate news organizations into compliance with their distorted narratives. This attack on press freedom is indicative of a systemic effort to undermine democratic institutions and reshape the media landscape in favor of authoritarian control.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/trumps-fcc-commissioner-threatens-comcasts-license-over-news-distortion/)

Trump Defies Supreme Court AP Excluded from White House Coverage

Despite a federal court ruling mandating equal access for journalists, Donald Trump is deliberately disregarding the First Amendment by excluding the Associated Press (AP) from the White House press pool. On Monday, AP journalists were denied entry to cover a meeting between Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, prompting a statement from the AP demanding their reinstatement according to the court’s injunction.

This ongoing conflict stems from a February 2025 incident where Trump barred the AP from accessing the Oval Office and Air Force One after the agency refused to adopt his controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The AP subsequently filed a lawsuit, contending that Trump’s actions violated constitutional protections for free press.

The latest denial of access signals an alarming escalation in Trump’s authoritarian tactics to control media narratives. His administration has also displayed a blatant disregard for other court orders, particularly those addressing harsh immigration policies, further undermining the rule of law and contributing to an ongoing constitutional crisis.

Such aggressive attempts to intimidate the press illustrate Trump’s broader objective: to manipulate and suppress independent journalism that does not align with his interests. This troubling behavior raises serious concerns about the future of free speech and press freedom in America.

Unless there are consequences for these constitutional violations, Trump’s actions represent a significant threat to democratic principles, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in the face of blatant disregard for the judicial system.

(h/t: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-openly-defies-court-order-202132432.html)

Trump Administration Proposes Over $9 Billion in Cuts to Public Broadcasting and Aid Programs

The White House is set to propose significant funding cuts totaling over $9 billion aimed at essential public broadcast and international aid services. Among the targets of this proposed rescission package are the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which oversees NPR and PBS, and USAID, the agency responsible for humanitarian aid and development efforts. This action aligns with long-standing objectives of the Trump administration to dismantle institutions they view as misaligned with their ideological agenda.

A White House official confirmed that the package will be submitted to Congress after the Easter recess. The planned cuts include around $1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and more than $8 billion affecting USAID and other State Department programs. The rationale provided for these cuts highlights content produced by PBS, such as a specific program that featured a transgender story, as being contrary to Trump’s views.

The request also notes controversial remarks made by NPR CEO Katherine Maher, who previously referred to Trump as a “fascist” on social media. This reflects the administration’s ongoing campaign to undermine media organizations that hold them accountable. The cuts encompass various well-received aid programs, including funds for electric buses in Rwanda and initiatives aimed at reducing xenophobia in Venezuela, which demonstrate America’s commitment to global influence and humanitarian assistance.

Simple majorities in both the House and Senate will need to approve these cuts to take effect. Although Republicans hold power in both chambers, the narrow margin in the House raises questions about the package’s fate. Trump and his allies have targeted funding for public broadcasting, viewing it as overly liberal, while making aggressive moves to limit USAID’s operations under the guise of fiscal responsibility.

These actions signal a troubling trend of prioritizing partisan politics over humanitarian needs, compromising critical authority and support for vulnerable communities globally. As advocates for these programs stress their importance, the proposed cuts echo a systematic effort to hamper the very foundations of American democracy and international goodwill through funding reductions and the dismantling of essential public services.

Trump Makes More Legal Threats Against CBS

Former President Donald Trump has escalated his longstanding feud with CBS News by demanding that the network’s iconic program, 60 Minutes, be taken off the air. Claiming he’s been characterized in a “derogatory and defamatory way,” Trump stated via Truth Social that he found the show’s recent coverage of Ukraine and Greenland to be “highly inaccurate.” This public outburst continues his trend of dismissing media criticism as biased and fraudulent, particularly as he faces legal challenges against CBS related to alleged election interference.

Trump’s tirade isn’t just a random venting of frustration; it reflects a pattern of hostility towards media organizations that dare to challenge him. In the past year, he has sued CBS for a staggering $20 billion, accusing it of “partisan and unlawful acts” stemming from a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. His lawyers allege that CBS manipulated the interview to mislead voters, but the network has consistently rebuffed these claims, defending its journalistic integrity and the editing process as standard practice.

In a particularly revealing moment, Trump lambasted CBS’s handling of Harris’s responses during the interview. He asserted that the network unfairly edited her answers to present her in a more favorable light, something CBS denies, citing unaltered transcripts to validate their reporting. This constant back-and-forth underscores Trump’s attempts to control the narrative surrounding his actions and the media portrayal of his presidency.

The former president’s animosity towards the press has further manifested in actions like banning reporters from the Associated Press from attending White House briefings over trivial disagreements about terminology. This anti-press agenda aligns with broader Republican strategies that seek to undermine journalistic scrutiny and weaken constitutional protections for free speech, fueling a dangerous trend toward media hostility in American politics.

Negotiations between Trump and CBS, including mediation efforts, are reportedly in progress to resolve their disputes. However, Trump’s persistent public attacks on the media raise serious questions about his respect for democratic norms and the role of the press in holding leaders accountable. Such ongoing conflicts not only jeopardize journalistic integrity but also threaten to stifle dissent and critical inquiry, cornerstones of a healthy democracy.

(h/t: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-cbs-60-minutes-off-air-2059351?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6hRbT-cWeoQPxTL_39rlIFAKIaOC9x9O-aghv20Zzn_kiqCasvXZVsl19eBA_aem_f948vZMBJhf47H5u549sCA#Echobox=1744620974)

Trump Evades Accountability Over Pentagon’s ‘Signalgate’ Investigation

During a recent press conference aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump aggressively dismissed a reporter’s inquiry regarding the Pentagon’s inquiry into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal app for sensitive military communications. The reporter addressed Trump’s responsibility to comment on the ongoing investigation, referred to as “Signalgate,” highlighting the concerning issue at hand.

Trump, seemingly uninterested in the crucial matter, retorted, “Oh, you’re bringing that up again? Don’t bring that up again,” illustrating his tendency to evade accountability and downplay significant issues that reflect the chaotic governance under his administration. Rather than engaging with the subject, Trump redirected the conversation to another unrelated topic.

The investigation, led by Acting Pentagon Inspector General Steven Stebbins, aims to assess whether Hegseth and other Department of Defense personnel adhered to established protocols while utilizing the Signal app to discuss military actions. This investigation is vital given the implications of misusing platforms for confidential military communication.

Adding to the confusion, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently declared that the inquiry into this incident had been “closed” from their perspective, despite the ongoing nature of the evaluation highlighted by the Inspector General. This contradictory messaging raises concerns about accountability and transparency within the Trump administration.

The incident encapsulates a broader pattern of dismissiveness and neglect towards serious issues, with Trump and his administration repeatedly failing to address the implications of their actions, especially regarding national security and ethical governance. Such blatant dismissal of critical inquiries only exacerbates fears of governmental incompetence and recklessness.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/dont-bring-that-up-again-trump-scolds-reporter-for-asking-question-about-signalgate/)

FCC Chair Investigates Disney Over Discriminatory DEI Policies

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has initiated an investigation into Disney’s diversity and inclusion (DEI) policies, suggesting that potential findings of racial discrimination could jeopardize ABC’s broadcasting license. Carr’s inquiry reflects a broader agenda by the Republican Party to dismantle DEI initiatives across media companies. This move has been characterized as part of a systematic effort to suppress any policies that promote diversity, aligning with the authoritarian tactics seen in other sectors under Donald Trump and his allies.

During a recent Fox News appearance, Carr indicated that evidence might show Disney and ABC involved in discriminatory practices in hiring, particularly focusing on race and gender. He specifically mentioned allegations of race-defined affinity groups and hiring quotas based on demographics. Carr’s assertion embodies the Republican stance on DEI, which has been increasingly scrutinized as a political weapon to impose a punitive narrative against inclusion efforts.

Trump’s influence is evident as Carr noted the FCC’s shift away from promoting DEI as one of its strategic priorities. The incumbent president has been vocal about his opposition to DEI, clearly echoed in Carr’s statements that prioritize compliance with traditional hiring practices over diversity initiatives. This agenda marks a concerted effort to stifle progress on civil rights within media and broadcasting environments, a core element of Trump’s reactionary policy framework.

Importantly, the First Amendment’s protections were highlighted by Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC chair under the previous administration, emphasizing that licenses should not be revoked merely due to political disagreements. Carr’s actions, however, contradict this principle and may signal an era where artistic and journalistic integrity is threatened by political motivations. The potential consequences for ABC could extend beyond just licensure issues and may impact their ability to operate independently without fear of government retaliation.

This developing situation underscores the ongoing battle over civil rights in America, where Trump-backed actors like Carr wield significant influence to mold media narratives under the guise of regulatory oversight. The investigation into Disney and ABC is emblematic of a broader Republican strategy that seeks to control how diversity efforts are perceived and implemented, all in an attempt to stifle voices advocating for equality and inclusion.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-backed-head-of-the-fcc-threatens-abcs-broadcast-license-in-fox-news-interview/)

White House Reshapes Press Briefing Room, Undermining Independent Journalism Amidst Trump’s Control

The White House has announced plans to reshape the seating arrangements for reporters in the press briefing room, a function traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA). This decision reflects President Trump’s administration’s ongoing efforts to tighten its grip on media coverage, seeking to reshape press corps traditions that have persisted for decades.

The move comes amidst suggestions from WHCA members discussing a potential overhaul of their bylaws, which would allow the sitting White House press secretary, currently Karoline Leavitt, to serve as the WHCA president. This contentious proposal highlights the growing divide between the White House and independent journalism, underscoring a trend toward increased control over press interactions.

The significance of prominent seating in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room cannot be overstated, as it substantially enhances reporters’ access to the press secretary for challenging inquiries. Under the new plan, the White House will implement a seating chart that prioritizes coverage from various media types, including digital and influencer outlets, alongside established legacy media organizations.

In a clear response to increased criticism, WHCA has stated that a free press must not operate under the preferences of government leaders. The Associated Press has also sought judicial intervention to restore its access to coverage of pooled events, following significant access restrictions imposed by the White House during Trump’s administration. This legal action further demonstrates the escalating tensions between the press and a government increasingly hostile to independent journalism.

Amidst these changes, WHCA President Eugene Daniels announced the cancellation of comedian Amber Ruffin’s planned appearance at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, signaling a shift in focus away from political entertainment towards honoring journalistic excellence amidst a landscape fraught with challenges to press freedom and integrity.

(h/t: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/30/white-house-press-briefing-seating-chart)

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