The White House Justified Its Attack On The Press. I Will Work To Hold Political Leaders Accountable.

I won't be invited to the White House either.

Today, the Trump White House doubled down on its attacks on the free press. In a startling display of authoritarian control, Karoline Leavitt defended the Trump administration's decision to bar the Associated Press (AP) from an Oval Office event simply because they refused to use the term "Gulf of America." I won’t use that term, so I guess I won’t be invited to the White House. To support my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today.

Leavitt's actions weren’t just an attempt to enforce a specific narrative but a direct assault on the free press. By defending this exclusion, Leavitt underscored the growing hostility toward media organizations that challenge or question official narratives—whether mainstream outlets like the AP or independent media voices like mine. Her insistence that the term is “fact” and her attack on journalistic integrity reflects a dangerous effort to stifle dissent and control the flow of information, undermining the very foundation of a democratic society that relies on a free and independent press.

After January 20, 2025, the Trump administration escalated its war on the media, intensifying efforts to control the narrative and silence critical voices. The White House’s consistent pattern of targeting journalists became even more blatant, with officials regularly denigrating reputable media outlets and labeling any reporting that questioned their policies as "fake news."

This hostile environment has even led to attacks on public broadcasters, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launching investigations into PBS and NPR. This assault on the media extended beyond public broadcasters, influencing the broader media ecosystem. Independent outlets, alternative news platforms, and investigative journalists faced growing threats, not only from the government but also from a public emboldened by the administration's rhetoric.

The administration’s attacks were not limited to direct censorship; they also included a broader cultural shift in which media outlets were painted as enemies of the state. By targeting PBS, NPR, and independent journalists, the Trump administration is working to weaken any remaining checks on its power, threatening the foundation of democratic oversight. This pattern of control exemplified the ongoing erosion of a free press and the rise of authoritarian tactics that sought to manipulate public perception and suppress dissent.

I make this pledge to you: I will never normalize Donald Trump, JD Vance, or the policies of their incoming administration. As an independent journalist, my role is to present the facts as they are and hold those in political power accountable. My mission goes beyond just reporting the news—it's about digging for the unvarnished truth, no matter what happens today or in the next four years.

My commitment to you will remain steadfast. Since my work is published on Substack, it remains free from the control of any billionaire. I retain full editorial control, now and always. If you believe in supporting independent journalism, click the button below to become a paid subscriber:

Many people ask me why I do this work, and the answer is simple: young voices are vastly underrepresented in media. Legacy outlets have failed young Americans and the public at large by prioritizing biased, opinion-driven pundits over fresh perspectives. I’m here to change that narrative and give young voices the platform they deserve.

Thank you for everything,

Aaron