The White House launched a media “Hall of Shame” as Trump intensified his campaign against what he calls fake news. The portal appeared while he faced rising criticism for attacking journalists. The administration claimed the site would track hoaxes, anonymous stories, and partisan smears by updating entries regularly. The portal named The Washington Post as “Offender of the week” and targeted other outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, and The Independent. The site listed each alleged claim and placed them into various categories.
Categories Highlight Accusations Against Major Outlets
The White House included agencies like the Associated Press and Reuters, accusing one of bias and missing context, and the other of lying. The portal added categories such as circular reporting, failure to report, false claim, malpractice, mischaracterisation, misrepresentation, and left-wing lunacy. Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray condemned the effort and described it as intentional targeting of journalists for exercising protected rights. He said the Post would continue reporting with accuracy and commitment. The portal notably excluded conservative outlets from its bias listings.
Critics Warn of Threats to Free Expression
The conservative Media Research Centre supported the portal and called it a stronger effort than past Republican administrations. Analysts from the group argued that Republicans view the media as an opposing force. Experts speaking to DW warned that this rhetoric creates danger for reporters and undermines democratic norms. The website emerged as Trump expanded his campaign against what he labels fake news and repeatedly insulted journalists, including women, using terms such as ugly, stupid, and piggy.
