Where do you get your news from? And what do you expect from news outlets? When we think of news we can trust, I think of independent outlets with a long history of quality journalism. Outlets that – if called on the carpet – could back up whatever they are sharing with the general public because they report based in facts and evidence.
But, all of that is out the window now, as reputable outlets are being banned from covering official White House events.
Since Feb. 11, AP reporters have been prevented from attending official White House events — including Oval Office signings, presidential trips on Air Force One, and even an open press briefing last week with India’s prime minister — because of the wire service’s decision to continue using the name Gulf of Mexico, rather than Gulf of America.
No, really. That’s the reason.
And if you don’t know, The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. I use it to cite source material for my work quite often, as do many journalists.
Dozens of news organizations signed two separate letters earlier this week, urging the Trump administration to reverse the policy barring Associated Press journalists from official events, stating that it violated the First Amendment and that a free press must make editorial decisions without “fear of government intrusion.”
But is this really about a body of water, or is this about how far Trump and his regime think they can push the boundaries of a free press until it falls right off the cliff? Trump is notoriously known for punishing people that don’t agree with him, so why would it be any different with the media?
What concerns me is how willing other outlets are to play ball with him. Remember in December, ABC News agreed to contribute $15 million to President-elect Donald Trump's presidential foundation and museum to settle a defamation lawsuit. And more recently in February, CBS News appears likely to settle a lawsuit filed by President Trump in a case that legal observers say it should win.
I remember when I first started working at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2014, where I spent six years as a journalist, I talked to the executive editor once after someone called to complain about something I wrote. And he said, “Don’t worry, people rarely (if ever!) are sued for defamation and win. It’s just not a thing.”
And I believed him. And, of course nothing happened, and all was well. But, that was a more than decade ago and “it’s just not a thing” is “now a thing” as more of my colleagues are bullied into silence because of the looming threat of being sued. It isn’t as though Trump or his regime would win these lawsuits – it’s the fact that to fight them would take deep pockets. We are talking about the federal government here.
And it’s only getting worse. Not only are journalists under attack, but elected Democrats, as well. Ed Martin, the new Trump appointed US Attorney for Washington DC, is going after Democrats who say things Trump doesn’t want to hear. They are calling it “Operation Whirlwind,” a new initiative to prosecute threats against public officials at all levels.
The top prosecutor in D.C. escalated his scrutiny of what he characterized as potential threats directed at billionaire Elon Musk and government workers, demanding information from a Democratic congressman who criticized Musk and telling his office he planned to prosecute anyone targeting public officials, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post.
Here’s a little bit for context:
Martin’s letter to Garcia dated Feb. 17
Dear Rep. Garcia: As United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, I receive requests for information and clarification. I take these requests seriously and act on them with letters like this one you are receiving. At this time, I respectfully request that you clarify your comments from February 12, 2025. During a live interview with CNN, when asked how Democrats can stop Elon Musk, you spoke clearly: “What the American public wants is for us to bring actual weapons to this bar fight. This is an actual fight for democracy.” This sounds to some like a threat to Mr. Musk - an appointed representative of President Donald Trump who you call a “dick” - and government staff who work for him. Their concerns have led to this inquiry. We take threats against public officials very seriously. I look forward to your cooperation with my letter of inquiry after request. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Please respond by February 24, 2025. Should you have further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call my office or schedule a time to meet in person. All the best. Sincerely, Edward R. Martin, Jr.
Martin’s letter to Schumer dated Feb. 11
Dear Senator Schumer, As United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, I receive requests for information and clarification. I take these requests seriously and act on them with letters like this one today. At this time, I am following up by email. I have previously sent you two letters - on January 21 and February 3. You have failed to respond which is a personal disappointment and professionally unacceptable. I attach the earlier two letters to this one. Time is of the essence. You have now received three letters as well as public discussion. Your cooperation is more important than ever to complete this inquiry before any action is taken. I remind you: no one is above the law.
That was one of my favorite lines. No one is above the law, it seems, but Trump.
Please be in touch by COB on Thursday, February 13, 2025. I look forward to your cooperation with my letter of inquiry after requests. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this. Should you have further questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call my office or schedule a time to meet in person. All the best. Sincerely, Edward R. Martin, Jr.
So now we are attacking the dissenting political party and journalists who dare call any of them out for their actions or words. If you appear to be in opposition to Trump, be prepared to be attacked, prosecuted and vilified. Trump’s regime will not hold themselves accountable for the things they do, but we must not forget that Trump is not a king. No one should be above the law. And if someone is, can we still call this a democracy? And who will speak for you, for me…for all of us…if our right to speak truth to power is criminalized?
So we must speak out now. Before it is too late. If we stand in solidarity and push back on these bullies, they will fail. But until then, what is your plan to take action in your community – regardless of political party – so that we can salvage what’s left of America? America, who belongs to us all.
UPDATE as of 5:15pm EST:
The Associated Press sued three Trump administration officials Friday over access to presidential events, citing freedom of speech in asking a federal judge to stop the blocking of its journalists.
The lawsuit was filed Friday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., 10 days after the White House began restricting access to the news agency.
The AP says its case is about an unconstitutional effort by the White House to control speech — in this case not changing its style from the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” as President Donald Trump did last month with an executive order.
“The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government,” the AP said in its lawsuit, which names White House chief of staff Susan Wiles, deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich and press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
More to come…
Until next time, take care of yourselves, and each other. In solidarity, Natalie
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