Support Journalists

The Trump administration has taken steps against all forms of media organizations. 

Persecution of Journalists refers to the unjust treatment, oppression, or targeting of individuals who engage in journalism, often for exposing truth, reporting on sensitive or controversial issues, or holding authorities accountable. This persecution can take various forms and is typically carried out by governments, organizations, or powerful individuals who seek to silence dissenting opinions or suppress information that may harm their interests.

Some forms of persecution include:

1. Imprisonment: Journalists may be detained or imprisoned on charges related to their reporting, often without legitimate legal grounds. For example, they may be accused of defamation, spreading misinformation, or threatening national security.
2. Physical Harm or Violence: In some cases, journalists face physical threats, assaults, or even murder because of their work. This is especially common in conflict zones or under authoritarian regimes where free speech is heavily restricted.
3. Harassment and Intimidation: Journalists may face harassment, threats, or surveillance from authorities, including online trolling, smear campaigns, and threats of violence. This can create a hostile environment where they fear for their safety.
4. Censorship and Legal Restrictions: Governments or powerful entities may impose laws, regulations, or restrictions on media outlets and journalists to prevent the publication of certain stories. This could involve blocking websites, seizing journalists' equipment, or forcing them to retract articles.
5. Discrimination and Job Loss: Journalists may be subjected to discrimination, forced out of their jobs, or face challenges securing work due to their reporting. They may also experience blacklisting or being targeted by powerful individuals.

The persecution of journalists is a serious threat to press freedom and democracy, as it undermines the role of the media in informing the public, holding power to account, and ensuring transparency in society. Let's look at the reasons the International Criminal Court might have. 

Retaliation to journalists are on the horizon, which is why the Veterans are relocating them to safety and with Veteran teams of 24/7 security. 

 The persecution of journalists can be considered a human rights violation because it directly impacts fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, the right to information, and the right to be informed without fear of censorship or violence. These rights are enshrined in international human rights law, particularly in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

1. Freedom of Expression (UDHR, Article 19): This article protects the right to seek, receive, and impart information through any media. Persecuting journalists for exercising this right directly violates this principle.
2. Right to Life and Security (ICCPR, Article 6 and 9): Journalists who are threatened, attacked, or imprisoned face violations of their right to life and personal security, especially in cases of physical harm or murder.
3. Protection Against Torture or Inhuman Treatment (ICCPR, Article 7): Physical violence, harassment, or prolonged imprisonment without due process can be considered torture or inhuman treatment, violating this international law.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) primarily deals with the most serious international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. While persecution of journalists, especially if it involves violence, unlawful detention, or systematic targeting, can indeed qualify as a crime against humanity under certain circumstances, the ICC’s jurisdiction is typically limited to situations that meet the following criteria:

1. War Crimes and Armed Conflict: If journalists are targeted in the context of an armed conflict (e.g., reporting on war crimes or military actions), and their persecution is part of a larger pattern of violence against civilians or journalists, the ICC could investigate under its mandate for war crimes.
2. Crimes Against Humanity: In extreme cases where the persecution of journalists is part of a broader campaign of violence, oppression, or systemic attacks against civilians—such as a widespread government crackdown on media—it could potentially be prosecuted as a crime against humanity. For example, if journalists are consistently attacked or killed by a government to silence opposition or dissent, this could qualify as part of a larger crime against humanity.
3. Accountability and National Jurisdiction: Often, it is the responsibility of national courts to address violations of freedom of speech and protect journalists. The ICC will step in if the country is unable or unwilling to prosecute these crimes, or if the crimes are of such severity that international action is necessary.

• UN Special Rapporteurs and Human Rights Council: They can investigate and report on the violations of journalists' rights and may recommend sanctions or international pressure on the violating state.
• International Tribunals and Regional Courts: Some regional courts, like the European Court of Human Rights, can hear cases of violations related to freedom of expression and journalist persecution.

3/15/2025: Trump at the Dept of Justice called US Media Outlets "Political Arms of the Democratic Party" branding them corrupt and illegal. 

3/14/2025: Signed an executive order to gut the US agency for  global media, including Voice of America

Actions Against TV: The Trump administration has taken steps against other media organizations. For instance, the FCC under Carr revived investigations into CBS, ABC, and NBC over alleged biases, while notably excluding Fox News, which often provides favorable coverage of Trump..

• December 2024 Lawsuits filed against many major TV networks.
• February 2025 Comcast threatened
• March 2025 Minority TV Media Terminated

 During 2024 and 2025, President Donald Trump and his administration have taken actions affecting radio broadcasting and related media outlets:

1. Threats to Defund NPR and PBS: In December 2024, President-elect Trump called for the federal funding of NPR and PBS to be cut, alleging liberal bias in their programming. He referred to NPR as a "liberal disinformation machine" and suggested that defunding these organizations would be both "good policy and good politics."
   
2. FCC Investigations into NPR and PBS: In January 2025, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiated investigations into NPR and PBS for potentially violating federal laws by airing commercials under the guise of underwriting announcements. Carr recommended that Congress consider defunding these broadcasters if violations were found. 

 President Donald Trump and his administration have taken several actions affecting newspapers and the broader media landscape:

1. Termination of Contracts with Major Wire Services: In February 2025, Voice of America (VOA), managed by Trump appointee Kari Lake, ended contracts with prominent wire services—The Associated Press (AP), Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP). Lake stated this move would save $53 million and shift news production in-house.
   
2. Conflict with the Associated Press Over Naming Conventions: Following Executive Order 14172, which renamed the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America," the AP continued using the traditional name. In response, the White House barred AP reporters from attending press events, citing the AP's refusal to adopt the new designation. This led to a lawsuit by the AP against White House officials, alleging violations of First and Fifth Amendment rights.
   
3. Increased Legal Actions Against Media Organizations: The Trump administration has been accused of a "multipronged" attack on the media, including lawsuits against major TV news networks and other media entities. These actions are viewed as attempts to challenge and suppress critical media coverage.
   
4. Executive Orders Influencing Media Operations: In 2025, President Trump signed numerous executive orders affecting various sectors, some of which have implications for media operations. While specific orders targeting newspapers directly are not detailed, the broad scope of these orders suggests potential impacts on media practices. 

 President Donald Trump and his administration have implemented several measures impacting social media platforms:

1. Executive Order on Free Speech and Content Moderation: On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14149, titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship." This order aims to prevent federal government interference with constitutionally protected speech and mandates investigations into past government actions related to content moderation.
   
2. Regulatory Actions Against Social Media Platforms: The administration has proposed regulations targeting social media companies, particularly focusing on alleged biases in content moderation. These actions include potential investigations and sanctions against platforms deemed to violate public interest obligations.
   
3. Engagement with TikTok: Despite earlier threats to ban TikTok, President Trump has engaged in negotiations concerning its ownership structure. The administration has been in discussions with ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, and other stakeholders to address national security concerns while allowing the app to continue operating in the U.S. A 75-day delay in enforcing potential bans was instituted to facilitate these negotiations.
   
4. Promotion of Alternative Platforms: The administration has shown support for alternative social media platforms that align with its viewpoints. For example, President Trump has used platforms like Truth Social to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media channels. This approach aims to counteract perceived biases in mainstream social media.