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The Global Story

Is a free press at serious risk in Trump’s America?

Sep 24, 2026 · 27m

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Last week, President Donald Trump barred CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House, accusing them of spreading "fake news". After their reporters had their press passes revoked and were denied access to the building, the three outlets launched a joint legal challenge, arguing that the move was unconstitutional. How unprecedented is this decision? And how does it compare with the treatment of journalists in other countries around the world? Jason Rezaian, host of the Washington Post podcast Freedom Desk and the paper's former Tehran bureau chief, has a unique perspective on these questions. While reporting from Iran, he experienced restrictions on press freedom and was ultimately…