Journalism faces renewed attacks by partisan voices as Biden’s mental fitness, CBS News leadership, and protest-linked firings fuel their assaults on media’s role in democracy.
At a Glance
- Jake Tapper co-authors exposé on Biden’s alleged cognitive lapses
- CBS’s Scott Pelley criticized Trump in a controversial commencement speech
- Bloomberg fired journalist Jason Kao after protest-related arrest
- Trump sues CBS and Paramount for $20 billion over “election interference”
Media’s Role Under the Microscope
CNN anchor Jake Tapper has dramatically reversed his public stance on President Biden’s mental competence, co-authoring a book with Axios’ Alex Thompson alleging the White House concealed cognitive decline. Tapper’s pivot signals growing unease—even within mainstream outlets—about Biden’s viability during the runup to the 2024 election.
Watch: Tapper Changes Tune on Biden
This turn coincides with Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News, claiming “election interference” via deceptive editing. The case has already triggered ripple effects inside CBS, leading to the resignations of CEO Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens.
CBS in Turmoil Over Pelley Speech
Scott Pelley, one of CBS’s most respected journalists, delivered a fiery commencement address condemning what he called assaults on journalism, education, and free speech. Without directly naming Trump, Pelley asked, “Why attack universities? Why attack journalism? Because ignorance works for power.”
Watch: Pelley’s Controversial Speech
Internal backlash followed quickly. A CBS insider told the Washington Free Beacon that Pelley “overstepped” and risked compromising journalistic neutrality. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung responded bluntly: “If Scott Pelley has something to say, he should be more clear. Otherwise, he’s just another coward hiding behind riddles.”
Journalism or Activism?
The arrest of Bloomberg News journalist Jason Kao during a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University reignited debates over the blurry line between journalism and activism. Bloomberg terminated Kao following the arrest, citing internal policies on political conduct.
Read More: Free Beacon Breakdown
His dismissal has alarmed press freedom advocates, who warn that cracking down on politically active reporters may chill coverage of controversial events. Others argue that engagement in activism compromises the objectivity required in journalism—especially amid protests involving antisemitism or national security concerns.
Conclusion: Journalism’s Crisis of Trust
With journalists doubling as authors, advocates, and sometimes even political actors, the American press is entering a volatile era. What began as watchdog journalism now faces criticism for straying into partisanship or ideological crusading. As the media grapples with questions of neutrality, transparency, and trust, one question looms large: When journalism becomes activism, who holds the journalists accountable?
