The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a safety advisory for journalists traveling to the U.S., citing concerns over potential travel restrictions and increased border scrutiny under the Trump administration. The advisory focuses on heightened risks for those covering politically sensitive topics, providing detailed safety recommendations to mitigate potential issues like device searches and denial of entry. Particular concern is raised regarding the broad authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect electronic devices without warrants, and the increased vulnerability faced by dual citizens. The CPJ urges journalists to prepare for possible disruptions by employing preventative measures, such as using clean, encrypted devices and carefully considering passport choices.
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The suppression of two pool reports—one detailing the exclusion of AP photographers from a Trump dinner, the other citing the cancellation of a joint press conference—highlights the Trump administration’s efforts to control press coverage. This censorship follows a February ban on the Associated Press from the White House press pool, later overturned by a judge. The administration’s actions underscore its attempts to restrict journalist access and manipulate information dissemination. The White House press pool’s crucial role in national news distribution is directly undermined by these actions. This pattern of censorship represents a significant challenge to press freedom.
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A federal judge ruled that the White House must restore the Associated Press’s access to events where other journalists are permitted, citing a First Amendment violation. The judge found that the administration’s restriction of AP access, based on their refusal to use President Trump’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico, constituted viewpoint discrimination. The ruling mandates equal access for AP, not unrestricted access for all journalists. The White House’s claim of simply narrowing the press pool was rejected by the judge, who deemed their reasoning “brazen.” The decision is a victory for free speech advocates.
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A federal judge ordered the White House to reinstate the Associated Press’s full access to presidential events, citing First Amendment violations. The judge ruled that the government cannot retaliate against the AP for its editorial decisions, specifically its refusal to adopt the President’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. This preliminary injunction is a significant win for the AP amidst broader White House challenges to press freedom. While the ruling doesn’t guarantee the AP permanent access, it prevents discriminatory treatment based on viewpoint. The White House was given a week to respond or appeal.
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A federal judge ruled that the White House violated the First Amendment by barring Associated Press journalists from White House and Air Force One events due to the AP’s refusal to adopt the President’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. Judge Trevor McFadden’s order, temporarily stayed until Sunday to allow for appeal, mandates that the White House cannot selectively restrict access based on viewpoint. The ruling emphasizes that while the AP is not entitled to preferential treatment, the government cannot deny access to journalists based on their reporting choices. The AP welcomed the decision as an affirmation of press freedom.
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This latest development signifies a further consolidation of influence by Trump within the Kennedy Center. The specifics of this “new move” remain undisclosed, but it’s anticipated to significantly impact the Center’s operations and direction. Observers speculate this action is part of a broader strategy to exert greater control over cultural institutions. The move is likely to spark further debate and controversy regarding the politicization of the arts.
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This past week has exposed significant vulnerabilities within Donald Trump’s sphere of influence. A pattern of chaos and mounting resistance against his actions has emerged, highlighting internal divisions and weakening his overall standing. These challenges represent a significant shift from previous perceived strength and suggest growing instability. The cracks in his support and strategy are becoming increasingly apparent, prompting questions about his future influence. Whether these fissures will lead to a significant decline in power remains to be seen.
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The Associated Press (AP) filed an amended lawsuit against the White House, seeking to overturn a ban on its journalists’ access to presidential events. The White House’s actions, described as retaliatory for AP’s refusal to comply with a presidential renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, have limited AP’s access to smaller events and even larger White House functions. This has resulted in delays and hampered the AP’s ability to provide timely news coverage. The ban, affecting both reporters and photographers, is viewed as a direct attack on press freedom and the public’s right to information. Dozens of news organizations, including some supportive of the president, have urged the White House to reverse its decision.
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President Trump’s second-term Cabinet meeting concluded with him requesting positive coverage from Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones, who was present due to recent White House press pool changes. The administration, unilaterally altering decades-long press pool selection practices, now hand-picks attendees, excluding outlets like the Associated Press. This decision follows a White House statement asserting that press access is a privilege, not a right, and a claim of unprecedented transparency. The White House Correspondents’ Association, bypassed in the process, vows to resist government control over White House coverage.
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The White House barring Associated Press, Reuters, and other news organizations from covering a cabinet meeting is a deeply troubling development. It’s a blatant act that raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to transparency and the free press. The decision to exclude these prominent and respected news agencies, especially Reuters, often considered a gold standard for neutral reporting, is particularly alarming.
This move suggests an attempt to control the narrative and limit access to information. With AP and Reuters used by almost every other news outlet, their exclusion creates a significant information gap, potentially leaving the public reliant on a more limited and potentially biased range of reporting.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood