A few weeks ago, the White House blocked an Associated Press reporter from an event in the Oval Office due to their refusal to acknowledge the geographical name switch from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. As a result, the White House is barring all Associated Press journalists from accessing media spaces within the Oval Office and the Air Force One.
Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit global news network organization dedicated to factual reporting. AP journalists have been regular representatives in the White House press pool, covering the President in D.C and abroad. An estimated 4 billion people read AP news every day, and journalists cover 100 countries.
When the Trump Administration renamed the Gulf of Mexico, the AP Style Guide reported that Trump’s order only carries authority within the U.S., and other countries did not have to recognize the change.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Taylor Budowich commented on the Associated Press’ actions.
“The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America,” Budowich said. “This decision is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation. While their right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not ensure their privilege of unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One.”
In addition to the Associated Press, Reuters reported that the White House also denied representatives from Reuters, Huffpost and Der Tagesspiegel.
Shortly after, the White House Administration announced it would determine which media outlets would be able to enter media pools to cover the President’s smaller spaces, like the Oval Office.
The Villanovan spoke to former Editors-in-Chief, Hannah Sweeney and Emma Cahill, to gauge their reactions to recent limitations on media coverage. As former Editors-in-Chief, both Sweeney and Cahill have strong experience within the media sector, and have dedicated a large chunk of their college career to journalism.
The two students reported their general reactions, and overall disappointment.
“When I first heard this news, I was disappointed but not surprised,” Sweeney said. “For years, Donald Trump and his administration have attacked and belittled those who disagree with them. I find it particularly frustrating that Donald Trump only uses the First Amendment when it is beneficial to him.”
Cahill discussed the importance of free speech in journalism, and how this affects journalism outlets nationwide.
“I believe that free speech is central to informing our community,” Cahill said. “There is a great value in being able to understand every perspective of an issue, and that can only be accomplished when people are able to freely express themselves.”
Sweeney agreed, while also addressing the precedent being sent for future journalists.
“I think when you see national news outlets facing backlash and being punished for their content, it sets a dangerous example that could intimidate young journalists,” Sweeney said.
As former Editors-in-Chief for The Villanovan, they acknowledged the potential threat towards both students and young people in general.
“I could foresee student newspapers and young journalists veering away from writing about controversial topics and politics, which is unfortunate considering those topics greatly impact college aged students,” Sweeney said.
Cahill echoed Sweeney’s statements, speaking on her experience publishing possibly controversial articles.
“As former Editor-in-Chief of The Villanovan, I believe that our most successful articles are the ones that not everyone may agree with,” Cahill said. “When an article promotes discussion among our community, we have done our job right.”
To conclude, Cahill discussed potential concerns for the future of journalism and government action under the Trump administration.
“This raises questions for me about whether the Trump administration has a preferred narrative regarding government in public debate, and whether their actions could be challenged on legal grounds in the future,” Cahill said.
Sweeney also discussed students’ potential unwillingness to continue careers that may be affected by limitations of media.
“In terms of journalism as a whole, I think Donald Trump has made it clear he intends to intimidate, censor and threaten any news outlets that do not report positively on his administration,” Sweeney said. “I think that the direction the Trump administration is taking this country will definitely deter people from pursuing certain careers, journalism included,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney also spoke on the necessity of continuing authentic journalism.
“I hope that current and future journalists continue to report accurately and truthfully,” she said. “Despite Trump’s efforts to silence them.
