I Made the White House's 'Media Offenders' List — and I'm Proud of It

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, my inbox was flooded with messages, some of them even threatening. The reason? I discovered I had been placed on President Donald Trumps so-called Media Offenders list, a taxpayer-funded register on the White House website designed to rally the MAGA base against the press.

My crime was writing a column for The Hill criticizing Trump for using the National Guard in ways that suggested authoritarian tendencies. Ironically, the White House did not challenge the facts I presented; their grievance centered on a correctly sourced photo used to illustrate the article. In true Trumpian fashion, being included on this official blacklist only underscores the point I made.

The Media Offenders list highlights the combination of threat and absurdity that marks Trumps second term. Once, he might have expressed his anger publicly at long rallies. Now, an increasingly isolated president delegates this task to anonymous website administrators, reflecting his declining energy and influence. As his popularity has plunged, so has his tolerance for journalists, a fact made visible in recent interactions with reporters aboard Air Force One, including offensive remarks directed at female journalists.

The impact on journalism in Washington extends beyond insults. In October, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked credentials from many Pentagon reporters for refusing a loyalty pledge, replacing them with pro-Trump personalities, including conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer. These moves ensure that propaganda reaches vast social media followings rather than the public through independent reporting.

Additionally, Trump has restricted the White House Press Corps access to areas like the Upper Press and the press secretarys office, making it harder for journalists to question officials or gather information. Those included on the Media Offenders listjournalists who continue to hold power to accountare being penalized simply for reporting the truth, including those correcting false claims or challenging misleading narratives.

In essence, being labeled a Media Offender has become a mark of doing ones job well. After years of vilifying reporters, the administration has now formalized the list of journalists it fears most. Any reporter appearing on it should regard the designation as an honor. It signifies courage in speaking truth to power and a commitment to independent journalism, regardless of attempts at intimidation.

Rather than silencing us, this list strengthens our resolve to report facts and hold officials accountable. To the President: thank you for the recognition. The badge of a Media Offender is one I wear with pride.

Author: Logan Reeves