Trump administration faces scrutiny over press freedom and media bans

The Trump administration is facing criticism regarding its treatment of the press and freedom of speech. In legal proceedings to defend the banning of CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House, Department of Justice lawyers are arguing that these outlets were barred due to the publication of “sensitive or classified information” rather than unfavorable coverage. Freedom of the press advocates suggest this is a pretext to punish journalists for reporting on government leaks.

Additionally, President Trump has called for the arrest of journalists following reports from The New York Times regarding crowd sizes at his rallies. The President claimed a rally in Ohio was “full to the brim,” despite reporting that indicated empty seats at a recent event in Alabama.

On a regional level, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is reportedly forcing its local public radio station, WBHM, to comply with state legislation requiring the use of the term “Gulf of America” instead of the Gulf of Mexico.