by Peter Weinberger | pweinberger@claremont-courier.com

There are moments when issues that affect the well-being of all of us must be brought to light. This is one of those times. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican — our rights are under siege as President Trump and his administration systematically dismantle key government institutions, all in the name of cost cutting.

Should we be surprised? Not really. The president made his intentions clear during his campaign. It’s still too early to determine the full impact of his policies, but some effects are already visible. For example, at the U.S. southern border, the number of people attempting to cross has dropped significantly due to policies such as the “remain in Mexico” program. The administration has certainly talked a big game about mass deportations, using fear as a weapon.

Voters were assured certain programs, like Social Security and Medicare, would remain untouched. Yet, proposals have surfaced suggesting cuts to both, particularly through changes to payroll tax funding.

To be honest, it really pains me to see the richest man in the world, chainsaw in hand, vowing to cut government spending that he nor the president clearly understand. I just received my first social security check in February. I wonder how long that check will appear in full, on time.

Executive orders are nothing new; in fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt still holds the record with 3,721. However, what sets President Trump apart is his willingness to bypass legal and legislative norms. And he’s pushing harder and harder. A judge has already ruled the Trump administration defied a court order to unfreeze billions in federal grants. What happens when court orders are ignored? Will the Supreme Court save the federal court system, which is critical for governmental checks and balances?

Will disinformation become the norm?
The president is desperate to silence a particular group. Since 2017, he has labeled them the “enemy of the American people.” Their goal has been to delegitimize the press — mainstream media — by dismissing its work as “fake news,” sowing confusion in the public’s mind about what is real, what can be trusted, and what cannot.

When we lose the press, even with its warts, we lose professional journalists who strive to publish factual information. They made journalism their career. They are serious about what they write and photograph and strive for accuracy. Over the past 50 years in the publishing business, I’ve worked in nine newsrooms large and small. I can honestly say I speak from experience by witnessing  journalists at work. They deserve nothing but respect. And if a mistake is made, they own it.

The press draw President Trump’s ire because they prove at best, he’s stretching the truth, at worst, he’s truthless. Now they have become a target, blamed for just about anything. Ok, Biden gets blamed a lot too.

Access limits
Since taking office, the Trump administration has sought to minimize mainstream media coverage. Trump, far more accessible to the press than Biden, gives preferential access to media outlets that share his vision of America. Those who don’t risk being pushed out.

 The Associated Press wire service, with more than 250 locations worldwide, provides stories, photos, and videos to its members. Their stylebook serves as the standard for many editors and journalists. Similarly, Reuters, the largest media company in the world, plays a significant role in global news distribution.

When AP refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” the president cut their access, even in pool situations, for various White House events. On February 21, AP filed a lawsuit, though a verdict has not yet been reached. Keep in mind that both AP and Reuters serve hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations, and websites that rely on their trustworthy coverage of global, regional, on down to city events.

While 60 Minutes is out, Fox News is in. The White House’s lawsuit against CBS, initially for $20 million, was escalated to $20 billion. Why? To put CBS out of business.

For the first time ever, last week, the White House stated it would take control of press access from the White House Correspondents’ Association. There’s a reason why presidents have not been allowed to choose the press covering them: favoritism allows for control over questions and the message to the public.

The administration claims it’s time to provide more media access to the White House. They say all outlets will still be included — but that’s impossible. The reality is mainstream outlets are being excluded in favor of approved media.

During the now famous Oval Office discussion with President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, both AP and Reuters were excluded, leaving millions of readers who rely on their services without fact-based information.

What about public funding for nonprofit media like PBS, NPR, local outlets like LAist, and many others across the nation? Major cuts to grants are on the horizon. The 25% tariffs on Canadian imports will impact the cost of newsprint, adding to the financial burden on newspapers of all sizes, including the Courier. Additionally, the Trump administration is reviewing the USPS to cut costs. We are expecting postage increases and less guarantees of 24 hour delivery.

Why it’s important
For any dictator to succeed, controlling public opinion is key. Public opinion influences countless important decisions. How the press is treated in Washington, D.C. will trickle down to cities across America, and some of this is already happening.

Wherever you’re reading this column, fact-based information can unite us. It makes a difference in any community where local media exists. In many cases, local news is the only news many people read. Let’s work together to give access to everyone.