Bulwark Takes: Chuck Todd - The AP-Trump Feud Is A Hill to Die on

Introduction

In the February 19, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Stein engages in a compelling discussion with former NBC News anchor Chuck Todd. The conversation centers around the escalating feud between the Associated Press (AP) and the Trump administration, delving into its implications for journalism, press freedom, and democratic norms.

The AP-Trump Feud: Redefining Language and Access

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted exchange about college sports, but swiftly transitions to the core issue: the Associated Press's refusal to adopt President Trump's directive to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America." This defiance has led to the White House ostracizing AP journalists from key access points, including the White House press pool and Air Force One.

Chuck Todd articulates the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is about essentially trying to bring, you know, the language of journalism...dictates what the press can and can’t say” (03:32). He emphasizes that such attempts to control journalistic terminology threaten the foundational principles of free press.

Historical Context: Press Pools and Collective Action

Todd provides a historical backdrop, explaining the structure and significance of the White House press pool. Established in the 1980s to manage the influx of media representatives, the pool ensures that coverage remains organized and cost-effective. He recalls past instances where the press pool faced challenges, notably during the Obama administration's exclusion of Fox News over perceived biases.

“Every White House tries to create more restrictions of press access...a universal effort by White Houses to pressure essentially coverage on the pool,” Todd remarks (19:45). This historical lens underscores the persistent tension between administrations and the media, highlighting the recurring patterns of press suppression.

Current Challenges: The Erosion of Collective Resistance

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the apparent lack of unified resistance from the press corps against the current administration's tactics. Unlike the collective stand taken against Fox News in 2009, the media's response to the AP's exclusion appears fragmented and subdued.

Todd speculates on the reasons, suggesting, “There are major news organizations that don’t want to have, that don’t want to be in this. Everybody’s trying to avoid a fight with Trump” (23:54). This hesitancy is attributed to various factors, including corporate interests, fear of backlash, and the absence of a guiding figure akin to William Paley, former CBS chairman who advocated for journalistic integrity over business concerns.

Implications for Journalism and Democracy

The conversation delves deep into the broader implications of the AP-Trump feud. Todd warns of a "slippery slope," where administrative interference in journalistic language and access could set dangerous precedents for future administrations. He asserts, “This is sort of like, and I think we know they have more power collectively than they do individually, but they're afraid to find out” (24:40), highlighting the potential for institutional erosion of press freedoms.

Moreover, the episode touches upon the consequences of deplatforming prominent figures like Donald Trump. Todd contends that such actions have inadvertently empowered alternative media ecosystems that undermine democratic discourse, stating, “The decision to deplatform him is the single greatest mistake mainstream media did because it allowed Trump to create an alternative ecosystem” (27:26).

Press Pool Structure and Function

To contextualize the current events, Todd elaborates on the operational mechanics of the White House press pool. He explains that the pool is managed by the White House Press Association in collaboration with the Press Office, rotating access among major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and Fox. This system ensures balanced coverage but becomes a tool for administration-led media control when journals like AP are excluded.

Future Outlook: The Path Forward for Journalism

As the discussion nears its conclusion, Todd emphasizes the importance of collective action within the press corps to safeguard journalistic integrity. He laments the current fragmentation, noting, “They don't care about this relationship with the press” (25:55), and urges media organizations to prioritize the institution of journalism over individual or corporate interests.

Sam Stein adds to the dialogue by proposing potential remedies, such as the press corps collectively refusing to cover the administration unless journalistic standards are upheld. However, Todd remains skeptical, highlighting the challenges of orchestrating such unified resistance in the face of entrenched corporate pressures and fear of reprisal.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with a poignant reflection on the state of American democracy and the indispensable role of a free press. Chuck Todd underscores the necessity for journalists to remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth, even when confronted with unprecedented administrative challenges. He concludes, “You owe to your readers...you have a job to do” (27:26), encapsulating the enduring duty of the press to uphold democratic values through unbiased and unfettered reporting.

Notable Quotes

• Chuck Todd (03:32): “This is about essentially trying to bring, you know, the language of journalism...dictates what the press can and can’t say.”

• Chuck Todd (19:45): “Every White House tries to create more restrictions of press access...a universal effort by White Houses to pressure essentially coverage on the pool.”

• Chuck Todd (23:54): “There are major news organizations that don’t want to have, that don’t want to be in this. Everybody’s trying to avoid a fight with Trump.”

• Chuck Todd (24:40): “This is sort of like, and I think we know they have more power collectively than they do individually, but they're afraid to find out.”

• Chuck Todd (27:26): “The decision to deplatform him is the single greatest mistake mainstream media did because it allowed Trump to create an alternative ecosystem.”

Timecode References:

• Timestamps in square brackets (e.g., 03:32) correspond to the minute and second marks within the transcript, facilitating easy navigation to specific discussion points.