On the Media Trump Deploys Troops Against LA Protesters. Plus, Journalists Under 'Less Lethal' Fire.
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Jun 13, 2025 Elizabeth Goitein, a senior director at the Brennan Center for Justice and an expert on emergency powers, discusses Trump's controversial use of military force against LA protests and the implications for democratic governance. Dion Nissenbaum, a former foreign correspondent, shares insights about his documentary investigating the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, emphasizing the perils faced by journalists in conflict zones. The conversation also highlights the complexities of misinformation during protests and the legal challenges surrounding military deployment.
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Trump's Overblown Protest Crisis
- President Trump framed mostly peaceful LA protests as violent riots to justify military deployment.
- The actual protests involved limited violence, managed by local police, with many troops inactive and poorly supported.
Widespread Protest Misinformation
- There is widespread misinformation and fake footage circulating about LA protests.
- Photos of troops and clashes often come from unrelated past events or other countries, confusing the real situation.
Journalists Hurt by "Less Lethal" Fire
- Many journalists covering LA protests have been injured by law enforcement using "less lethal" rounds.
- These rounds can cause serious harm, especially when aimed at head and neck areas despite training to avoid those targets.