The Trump Administration Has Launched An Assault On The Media. We Cannot Back Down.

In the first month of Donald Trump's presidency, his administration has made a series of alarming moves that directly challenge the foundation of a free and independent press—one of the cornerstones of American democracy. These actions send a troubling message about the administration's disregard for transparency and the role of the media in holding power to account. From barring key outlets to undermining longstanding practices of governmental access to information, these moves not only attack specific media organizations but also threaten the broader principle that a free press is essential for a functioning democracy.

First, the administration decided to ban the Associated Press (AP) from future events held in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One. This decision came after the AP refused to comply with an executive order issued by Trump, which mandated a change in the official style guide, renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America." The White House expressed frustration with the AP’s refusal to update its coverage accordingly, resulting in the ban.

Additionally, the State Department announced it would be ending its federal news subscriptions worldwide. This directive, issued on Wednesday, specifically ordered the cancellation of all subscriptions to various news outlets, including those that were previously available to diplomats and government officials. This decision followed closely on the heels of the administration’s announcement that it would no longer continue paying for Politico subscriptions, despite having spent millions of taxpayer dollars on them the previous year.

Finally, the Pentagon undertook a significant reshuffling of its press arrangements, which affected several major news organizations. The Department of Defense notified outlets such as NPR, NBC News, Politico, and CNN that they would be required to vacate their dedicated workspaces in the Pentagon’s Correspondents' Corridor. Despite this, their press credentials would remain valid. The new system, however, will prioritize more conservative media outlets such as Washington Examiner, Daily Caller, and Newsmax, as part of a new rotating schedule for press access.

The administration's actions are deeply concerning, as they signal a dangerous shift away from openness and toward a more authoritarian style of governance, where the press is treated as an adversary to be silenced or controlled. The banning of the Associated Press from key events, the abrupt cancellation of global news subscriptions, and the reshuffling of Pentagon press spaces in favor of more ideologically aligned outlets are clear attempts to limit media access and skew the information available to the public. These moves not only diminish the free flow of information but also undermine the press’s crucial role in keeping the government accountable. The Trump administration’s actions are a direct attack on press freedoms and should be met with strong opposition by anyone who values democracy and the truth.

As an independent journalist, I am committed to holding this administration accountable for its actions and ensuring that the truth is not silenced. Unlike many mainstream outlets that rely on billionaire backers or corporate interests, I am funded solely by subscriptions from readers like you—people who care deeply about the preservation of a free press and the transparency it ensures. This independence allows me to report without fear of financial influence or political pressure, staying true to the mission of providing accurate, unbiased, and critical coverage.

In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that journalists remain untethered from outside agendas, and it is through the support of conscientious individuals that I can continue to do the work of informing the public and holding power to account. I hope you’ll consider joining me: