Press freedom groups that blasted Trump turn fire on Dem governor over alleged media retaliation

Seven press freedom and civil liberties groups, led by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, are accusing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat and outspoken Trump critic, of retaliating against news organizations that cover his administration. Their Oct. 13 letter targets a policy under which state agencies send even ordinary questions from reporters at Sinclair-affiliated outlets and The Baltimore Sun to lawyers before replying, according to Fox News.

The policy took shape while Moore is being sued for defamation by David Smith, who chairs Sinclair Broadcast Group in an executive role and owns most of the Sun. Written replies from Maryland agencies have openly pointed to that suit as the reason journalists at the Sinclair stations must wait for legal counsel to weigh in.

The criticism stings because of Moore's own record. Appearing on CNN on Sept. 20, he faulted President Donald Trump for keeping CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters out of the White House, saying Trump handles the Constitution as if it were a suggestion box. Seth Stern, the foundation's chief of advocacy, said it is especially offensive for Moore to raise his national standing by denouncing Trump's bans while behaving similarly.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox News’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox News →