The White House’s trolling isn’t funny—it’s dangerous
The White House’s relationship with the public and the media is changing rapidly. Professionalism and political norms have been replaced by trolling and social media trends layered with messages promoting deportation and patriotism.
But what lies behind the memes and snide remarks is a darker, more disturbing message: The Trump administration is cutting off the flow of information from the press to the people, and it’s doing it in jest.
At a press conference at the White House on Friday, HuffPost asked who suggested that President Donald Trump meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Hungary to discuss the war in Ukraine.
“Your mother did it,” responded White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“Your mother,” added Steven Cheung, White House communications director.
Yes, really.
Daily Kos contacted Leavitt and Cheung about the nature of their sarcastic responses, but they did not respond prior to publication.
On the surface, their responses are harmless jokes. But the picture is darker as the White House continues to cut off journalists’ access to information, whether as a joke or contractual obligation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon reporters handed over their press card to protest Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new requirement that all reports be pre-approved by the department. The journalists of oMedia outlets like the New York Times, NBC and even Fox News were among those who refused.
In March, the White House attempted to expand its censorship powers by launching The Associated Press for not calling the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America”.
Although this movement was shot down by a judge, that hasn’t stopped the Trump administration from excluding the media.
Asset refused to answer questions of ABC News after journalist George Stephanopoulos asked Vice President JD Vance on the “border czar” Tom Homan Alleged $50,000 bribe.
But somewhere among the “your mother” jokes is a warning light signaling the end of press freedom.
Because ultimately democracy dies in obscurity.
