Quick Action
Trump’s attacks on the press are escalating and now a conservative group with ties to the White House is ramping up a pre-election effort to discredit reporters—and their families—at news outlets whose reporting has uncovered unflattering, unethical, and potentially illegal actions by the president, his administration, and associates. Support the work of reputable journalists by subscribing to local and national outlets and building your own diversified press room.
THE ISSUE
President Trump’s attacks on the press began during the 2016 campaign, continued after the election, and grow louder each time his administration comes under fire for new ethical violations or the passage of illegal policies. He calls the press the “enemy of the people,” rhetoric which has incited his followers to issue threats to reporters and threaten violence to reporters covering his rallies. According to experts with the United Nations Human Rights Council, Trump’s attacks increase the risk of violence toward reporters. A conservative group with ties to the White House launched and aggressive and personal attack against reporters who work at news outlets the president deems hostile to him and his administration. The group also plans to target reporters’ family members, all part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to foster public mistrust in the media.
It’s more important than ever that we support the people and organizations that fight for the truth when our legislators can’t or won’t. How do you do that? Build your own press room:
SUBSCRIBE
The publications that invest the most in reporting talent right now include the large national dailies The Washington Post and The New York Times. The vast majority of the most important news to come out of the election and the new administration have come from one of these two publications. Their mobile apps are easy to use, and the miniscule e-subscription cost may be the best activist investment you will ever make. AND, when you subscribe to these publications, you can give a free gift subscription to someone else! Mother Jones, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic magazines are also putting out great work right now. If you have teenagers in your life, gift them a subscription to Teen Vogue. Their new editorial team has adopted a full-throated activist message that is attracting a lot of praise. But, as with all activism, be sure to start local by subscribing to your local newspaper (find a full list here) and to large dailies like Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News, and the Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel.
FOLLOW
Other news organizations to follow online are News & Guts, a facebook project by Dan Rather that aggregates the most critical or noteworthy news stories of the day, ProPublica, Vox, The Hill, and Politico. For news on the Maine legislature, follow the Bangor Daily News, Portland Press Herald, and Maine Public Broadcasting. For an international perspective, follow Reuters, BBC News, The Guardian, and The Independent.
SUPPORT
Nonprofit investigative journalism is gaining a foothold in the news cycle. Organizations like ProPublica, the Center For Public Integrity, and Maine’s Pine Tree Watch are all putting out some great work and need our support. The Committee to Protect Journalists and the ACLU are dedicated to fighting for freedom of the press in this country and around the world.
SHARE
Not all sharing is caring! Learn the most important tips fighting false and misleading information with our guide on stopping the spread of false information on social media. Want more tips on how to use social media more effectively to resist Trump? Check out our other fabulous guide on resisting Trump on social media.
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
