White House Targets Major News Outlets Over Coverage of ‘Illegal Orders’ Video
Administration rebukes Boston Globe, CBS News and The Independent for what it calls misleading reporting on a lawmakers’ message to U.S. troops
The White House has publicly criticised several prominent news organisations after accusing them of misrepresenting a video in which six Democratic lawmakers urged U.S. service members to refuse unlawful commands.
In a statement released through its newly launched media-review webpage, the administration named the Boston Globe, CBS News and The Independent as outlets that, in its view, inaccurately framed President Donald J. Trump’s response to the video.
The original video featured current and former lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds urging troops to uphold their oath to protect the Constitution by rejecting any order deemed illegal.
The message swiftly drew a forceful reaction from the president, who condemned the lawmakers’ remarks in stark terms.
Coverage by several news organisations focused on the political tension and legal implications surrounding the exchange, prompting the White House to accuse those outlets of implying wrongdoing on the president’s part.
According to the administration, the new webpage is intended to counter what it describes as selective or misleading narratives in mainstream reporting.
The site highlights specific articles and headlines that officials argue distort the president’s statements or intentions.
Its launch has intensified debate over the relationship between the government and the press, particularly given the administration’s willingness to call out individual newsrooms by name.
While the White House insists the project promotes accountability and transparency, press-freedom advocates warn that public lists of alleged media offenders risk chilling legitimate reporting and blurring the line between official communication and political messaging.
The dispute reflects growing tension over how online platforms, political rhetoric and traditional journalism intersect during moments of heightened national scrutiny.