The Powers That Be: Daily CBS Capitulation & Trump’s New Media Crackdown
May 2, 2025
Eriq Gardner, a journalist at Puck specializing in legal and media issues, discusses Donald Trump’s aggressive tactics against the press. He predicts a possible settlement for CBS News amid its lawsuit with Trump. Eriq delves into the troubling implications of Trump’s threats against The New York Times and recent DOJ guideline changes that could jeopardize journalistic independence. The conversation highlights growing concerns over press freedom and the potential rise of political pressures on reporters.
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CBS Lawsuit Likely to Settle
- CBS News is likely to settle Trump's $20 billion election interference lawsuit despite weak legal merit.
- Settlement stems from business calculus and merger considerations, not necessarily case strength.
Trump Misuses Tortious Interference
- Tortious interference involves disrupting contractual obligations.
- Trump misapplies it to media coverage, showing misunderstanding of legal concepts.
DOJ Eases Journalists Subpoenas
- DOJ is loosening guidelines allowing subpoenaing and searching journalists publishing classified info.
- This could lead to legal risks, including journalists jailed for protecting sources and newsroom raids.