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Washington, D.C., February 14, 2025 – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the Trump administration for its growing retaliation against the press, highlighting actions that undermine media independence and threaten the First Amendment.

One of the most significant actions involved the White House barring an Associated Press (AP) journalist from covering two official events. This move followed AP’s refusal to adopt the administration’s directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” While AP acknowledged the U.S. government’s change, it continued to use the internationally recognized name in its reporting. In response, the administration accused the news agency of spreading “lies” and retaliated by banning the journalist from White House coverage.

A Pattern of Retaliation Against the Press

CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg strongly condemned the decision, stating that blocking a respected news agency like AP from covering key events directly attacks press freedom. She stressed that such actions suppress independent journalism and deprive the public of accurate and unbiased information.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of media suppression under the Trump administration. CPJ has raised several concerns, beginning with the legal pressure placed on journalists. Since his candidacy, Trump has filed at least 29 defamation lawsuits against media outlets and journalists. CPJ warns that these lengthy and costly lawsuits may discourage independent reporting and encourage self-censorship among news organizations.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also opened investigations into several media outlets, including NPR, PBS, and a California radio station that reported on immigration enforcement. Critics argue these investigations may be politically motivated, using regulatory power to silence independent journalism and control news coverage.

Another troubling development is the suspension of funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has supported independent media organizations worldwide. CPJ warns that cutting off this funding puts press freedom at risk, particularly in countries where independent journalism relies on external support to operate.

Finally, senior officials in the Trump administration, including the president himself, have publicly attacked journalists and media outlets, fueling a climate of hostility toward the press. CPJ fears that this rhetoric increases the likelihood of both online harassment and physical violence against journalists, contributing to a dangerous environment for the free press.

Implications for Press Freedom

CPJ urges the administration to honor its commitment to the First Amendment and cease its attacks on journalistic independence. The organization cautions that continued hostility toward the media sets a troubling precedent, not just in the U.S. but globally, emboldening authoritarian governments that seek to suppress free speech.

As concerns over media suppression grow, press freedom advocates emphasize the critical need to protect journalists’ rights and ensure the public’s access to reliable, fact-based information.