The sacred and crucial watchdog role that journalists play in a functioning democratic society should never be taken for granted, but President Donald Trump is seemingly working to dismantle the Fourth Estate. Although concerns regarding Trump’s stance on free press rose during his first term, his early decision to bar Associated Press reporters from the Oval Office and Air Force One suggests a dangerous trend infiltrating his second term.
In one of Trump’s early executive actions, he changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The AP, a highly-respected media organization, made the editorial decision to not exclusively refer to it as the Gulf of America.
In the decision, the AP cited the 400-year-old existing namesake as a reason to continue its use, while acknowledging the change Trump has made.
“As a global news agency that disseminates news around the world, the AP must ensure that place names and geography are easily recognizable to all audiences,” the style guidance said.
According to NPR, this resulted in AP reporters being blocked from places such as the Oval Office and Air Force One, despite their White House press credentials. The AP sued, noting its ability to employ its own language choices without being punished by the government. For a reporter covering politics, access to press conferences is invaluable.
The White House responded poorly to the AP’s argument, framing their reporters as ideological. According to NPR, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung said, “They are clearly suffering from a severe, debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted their peanut-sized brains."
This response shows the current administration’s lack of care for the First Amendment as a whole. Free speech and free press are of utmost importance when they are being attacked, and journalists are speaking out in support of the AP as legal issues continue.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press issued a statement urging the White House to “restore the Associated Press’s pool participation and ensure that future access to White House events is not predicated on improper considerations or disagreement with editorial choices.” With signatures from over 30 media organizations, the letter holds significant power in representing a shared opinion among journalists across the nation.
Another prestigious organization, the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University released a statement regarding Trump’s decision. The statement, signed by faculty, students and alumni, rightfully regarded the decision as unconstitutional and overpowering with support for the AP.
“We agree with James Madison and the other Founders of the United States in that regard. Banning the nonprofit, nonpartisan, and unbiased Associated Press from the White House press corps, especially for something so petty as a style guideline, is a serious violation of the First Amendment and an irrational, petulant act heretofore seen only among the world’s worst dictators,” the school’s statement said.
The AP, and every other journalist serving as a medium between the government and the public, belongs in the White House, regardless of administration shifts. Journalism, especially the proper fact-based reports from the AP, is a sacred practice that transcends political lines. This is not just a threat to journalists’ free speech rights. This is a terrifying precedent that hinders access for readers across the globe, and nobody knows what’s next.
Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
