FT News Briefing
Swamp Notes: Trump vs the press
Mar 1, 2025
Chris Grimes, FT's Los Angeles bureau chief, offers sharp insights into the tense relationship between Donald Trump and the media. They discuss the White House's controversial decision to selectively grant access to reporters, raising alarms about journalistic integrity. The duo also critiques how media ownership, exemplified by Jeff Bezos's influence on The Washington Post, shapes political narratives. They explore Trump's strategies to restrict media access, highlighting the ongoing struggle for independent journalism in a politically charged environment.
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Quick takeaways
- The White House's decision to selectively grant press access raises serious concerns about media independence and government influence over journalism.
- Jeff Bezos' directive to focus the Washington Post on personal liberties signals a significant shift in editorial direction, potentially undermining comprehensive political discourse.
Deep dives
White House Press Pool Control
The recent decision by the White House to select journalists for the press pool has significant implications for media independence. This change allows the administration to choose who has close access to the president, potentially favoring reporters who have a positive relationship with Trump and creating a less diverse media representation. The press pool traditionally consists of journalists from various outlets who report from intimate settings such as the Oval Office or Air Force One, distributing their findings to other news organizations. This shift raises concerns about the government’s influence over the press and its ability to hold the administration accountable.
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