Following the dismissal of his initial defamation lawsuit, Donald Trump has filed an amended 40-page complaint against The New York Times, Penguin Random House, and two reporters, while maintaining a $15 billion compensatory damages claim and seeking punitive damages. The amended complaint presents an itemized list of allegations, referencing specific publications and statements. The suit, filed in Florida, revises a previous suit that was dismissed due to its excessive length and redundant content. The legal action pertains to news articles and a book discussing Trump’s work on “The Apprentice” and his inheritance, alleging factual inaccuracies in the reporting.
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Pope Leo XIV urged international news agencies to safeguard against manipulation and defend a free and objective press, highlighting the crucial role of journalism in informing the public about events worldwide. He advocated for the release of imprisoned journalists, emphasizing that their work is a right and a pillar of society. Leo stressed the importance of news agencies, especially amid economic pressures and the rise of misinformation, encouraging them to uphold truth and act as a bulwark against lies. Quoting Hannah Arendt, he warned against the erosion of distinctions between fact and fiction, emphasizing the need for reliable information in an increasingly complex world.
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Trump Says Critical Coverage of Him Is ‘Really Illegal’
So, the idea that critical coverage of a president is “really illegal”? That’s the core of the issue. It’s a statement that throws a wrench into the very foundation of a free press and the democratic principles of the United States. This isn’t just about disagreeing with a politician; it’s about questioning the basic tenets of how a government and its people interact. Imagine a world where truth is censored, where dissenting voices are silenced. That’s the kind of environment this statement seemingly champions.
It’s worth remembering some wise words from Theodore Roosevelt, spoken more than a century ago.… Continue reading
In his first public address on the widespread clerical abuse scandal, Pope Leo XIV declared zero tolerance for any form of abuse within the Catholic Church, encompassing power, authority, conscience, spirituality, and sexual misconduct. He simultaneously championed the vital role of a free press, contrasting his stance with that of some bishops who have criticized media coverage of the scandal. The Pope’s statement followed concerns raised by abuse survivors regarding his past actions, concerns the Vatican has addressed. Leo lauded the investigative journalism exposing abuse, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and urging journalists to continue their crucial work.
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President Trump’s executive order targeting PBS and NPR funding represents an unprecedented attack on public broadcasting, according to PBS CEO Paula Kerger. This action, along with potential rescission of existing funds and challenges to corporate sponsorships, threatens the viability of local stations, particularly those heavily reliant on federal support. The cuts jeopardize crucial children’s programming funded by the Department of Education, impacting communities lacking access to early childhood education resources. NPR CEO Katherine Maher echoed these concerns, highlighting the devastating impact on local news sources, especially in rural areas.
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Despite a court order prohibiting the Trump administration from punishing the Associated Press (AP) for refusing to rename the Gulf of Mexico, the AP was barred from a Monday Oval Office news conference. The administration is appealing the court decision and a hearing is scheduled for Thursday to address the delay in implementing the ruling. The AP’s access to White House events has been restricted since mid-February, stemming from its refusal to comply with the president’s executive order. While the court protected the AP’s free speech, the extent of future access remains uncertain.
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President Trump issued an executive order effectively dismantling Voice of America (VOA) and its parent company, US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), citing alleged anti-Trump bias and wasteful spending. The order places VOA’s 1,300 employees on paid leave and halts funding for affiliated organizations like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, impacting hundreds of millions of listeners globally. This action, spurred by right-wing media accusations of leftist bias, severely curtails VOA’s mission of countering foreign propaganda. The move comes alongside broader budget cuts to various federal agencies.
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The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment in American history. To ensure continued access to unbiased, crucial journalism during this transformative period, HuffPost is introducing an ad-free experience for contributing supporters. This initiative directly supports the newsroom’s commitment to fearless reporting. Contributions enable the continued provision of free, impartial journalism for all.
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Trump is fast dismantling the free press. We all have to stop him. This isn’t just about partisan politics; it’s about the fundamental right to access accurate information and hold power accountable. The erosion of a free press is a direct threat to democracy, and the current trajectory is deeply alarming.
Trump is fast dismantling the free press. The very institutions that are supposed to be our watchdogs are being systematically undermined through lawsuits, politically motivated investigations, and a constant barrage of attacks. This coordinated effort to silence dissent and control the narrative is a clear and present danger to the health of our democracy.… Continue reading
The Biden press secretary’s comment, “What we’re looking at is state TV,” regarding Trump’s actions against the Associated Press and the press pool, paints a stark picture. It suggests a deliberate attempt to control information flow, mirroring tactics employed by authoritarian regimes. The statement itself highlights a deeply concerning trend, implying a systematic erosion of journalistic independence.
This characterization isn’t simply hyperbole; it points to a pattern of behavior that erodes the foundation of a free press. Actions taken against established news organizations, particularly those known for their critical reporting, raise serious questions about the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood