On the Media – June 13, 2025 Episode Summary
Title: Trump Deploys Troops Against LA Protesters. Plus, Journalists Under 'Less Lethal' Fire.
Hosts: Brooke Gladstone and Michael Ohinger
Guests: Elizabeth Goytin (Senior Director, Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice) and Dayan Nissenbaum (Co-Executive Producer of the documentary Who Killed Shireen?)
Introduction
In this episode of the Peabody Award-winning On the Media, hosts Brooke Gladstone and Michael Ohinger tackle two pressing issues: former President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid protests and the alarming increase in attacks against journalists using “less lethal” weapons. The episode also features a deep dive into the newly released documentary Who Killed Shireen?, which investigates the death of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
Section 1: Trump's Deployment of Troops in Los Angeles
Context and Initial Reactions
The episode opens with Michael Ohinger describing the situation in California as “a full-blown assault on peace, on public order” [00:02]. Brooke Gladstone elaborates, stating, “The president reframed the mostly peaceful protests in LA as riots and sent in the army” [00:05]. Elizabeth Goytin counters, emphasizing the legal constraints: “You need to have some express legal authorization in order to deploy troops” [00:11].
Discrepancies Between Narrative and Reality
Brooke discusses the stark contrast between the president’s portrayal and the actual conditions on the ground. Only about 315 National Guard troops were actively mission-tasked, while around 1,700 were left idle without adequate supplies or training [02:32]. Michael criticizes the move as “theater” and “unconstitutional” [02:57].
Impact on Troop Morale and Public Perception
Photos of National Guardsmen in deplorable conditions—sleeping on concrete with no bedding or sufficient supplies—highlight the low morale among troops. Sarah Strider from the Secure Families Initiative remarks, “Deploying military force against our own communities isn't the kind of national security we signed up for” [03:24]. Dayan Nissenbaum adds that morale is low, with quotes like “Morale is not great” circulating among soldiers [04:14].
Media Coverage and Misinformation
The discussion shifts to media portrayal, where Michael Ohinger references their 2017 “Protest edition” of the show, noting how media tends to focus on violent incidents even if they’re rare [04:54]. Brooke underscores the prevalence of misinformation, citing incidents of “repurposed footage” and AI-generated fake images that confuse the public [08:13].
Legal Implications and Constitutional Concerns
Elizabeth Goytin delves into the legality of Trump’s actions, explaining that the deployment was justified under 10 USC 12406 rather than the Insurrection Act [21:15]. She highlights that this statute is obscure and not typically used for such purposes, raising concerns about potential abuse and constitutional violations [22:11]. Brooke questions the broader implications, noting the unprecedented nature of the deployment [23:00].
Public and Judicial Response
A federal judge ruled the deployment illegal for lacking proper congressional authorization [19:58]. Elizabeth warns that such military involvement can erode democratic norms and chillingly states, “If the President can turn the military inward against the people, that can very quickly become an instrument of tyranny” [25:47]. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans oppose the deployment, emphasizing the role of public opinion in upholding democracy [32:27].
Notable Quotes:
- Brooke Gladstone [00:02]: “The president reframed the mostly peaceful protests in LA as riots and sent in the army.”
- Michael Ohinger [02:57]: “This whole thing is theater. It's madness. It's unconstitutional.”
- Elizabeth Goytin [21:15]: “The potential for abuse of these authorities is pretty alarming.”
Section 2: Journalists Under 'Less Lethal' Fire
Escalation of Violence Against the Press
Michael Ohinger introduces the troubling trend of journalists being targeted with “less lethal” weapons during protests [14:06]. Multiple instances are cited:
- An Australian journalist was shot from behind with a rubber bullet despite no visible protesters nearby [14:06].
- A New York Post photographer was hit in the head with a rubber bullet, resulting in a serious bruise [14:37].
- A British photographer required emergency surgery after a plastic bullet penetrated his thigh [16:22].
Insights from Journalists
Sergio Olmos, an investigative reporter at Calmatters, shares his harrowing experiences: “If you're in the crowd covering it, photographers and the like, you're gonna get hit with one” [17:00]. He recounts being struck multiple times despite wearing protective gear, highlighting a disregard for safety and protocol [16:42].
Impact on Journalistic Integrity and Safety
The hosts discuss the broader implications for press freedom, noting that these aggressive tactics deter journalists from covering important events. Fatima Abdul Karim, a contributor, expresses how Shireen Abu Akleh’s death has changed her approach, emphasizing the personal risks journalists face [48:09].
Notable Quotes:
- Sergio Olmos [17:00]: “If you're in the crowd covering it, photographers and the like, you're gonna get hit with one.”
- Brooke Gladstone [14:37]: “Just got shot in the head. He was treated in a hospital for whiplash and was left with a huge bloody bruise on his forehead.”
Section 3: Documentary on Shireen Abu Akleh
Introduction to the Documentary
The episode transitions to Dayan Nissenbaum’s documentary Who Killed Shireen?, which investigates the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American journalist killed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Jenin [33:28].
Investigation and Findings
Dayan reveals that initial Israeli statements falsely claimed Shireen was killed by militants, but further investigation showed she was likely targeted by an IDF soldier [37:10]. The documentary uncovers that no militants were near her at the time of her death, contradicting IDF’s narrative [38:43].
Challenges Faced in the Investigation
Efforts to identify the shooter were stymied by Israel’s refusal to disclose the soldier’s identity or cooperate with U.S. investigations [40:15]. Dayan details pressing obstacles, including reluctance from Israeli authorities to hold the shooter accountable [41:10].
Emotional and Societal Impact
The documentary highlights the personal toll on journalists and their families, with Shireen’s producer Fatima Abdul Karim sharing how her loss has changed her approach to reporting [48:09]. The film underscores the broader issue of impunity and the dangers Palestinian journalists face [51:25].
Notable Quotes:
- Dayan Nissenbaum [37:10]: “The Israeli military concluded that it was highly likely that an Israeli military soldier falsely identified Shireen as a militant and deliberately shot her.”
- Brooke Gladstone [39:55]: “The United States will continue to insist on a full and transparent accounting of her death and will continue to stand up for media freedom everywhere in the world.”
Conclusion
The episode closes by reiterating the critical state of democracy and press freedom in the face of governmental overreach and violence against journalists. The hosts emphasize the necessity of public vigilance and engagement to uphold democratic values and protect media integrity.
Final Thoughts:
- Brooke Gladstone [30:56]: “It's the state of our democracy, not the infraction of this law or that, that matters most.”
- Elizabeth Goytin [33:16]: “Protecting the right to assemble and to protest is crucial for democracy.”
Notable Quotes:
- Brooke Gladstone [08:17]: “Not repurposed footage. Not even an actor, but a digital creation rendered entirely by AI.”
- Elizabeth Goytin [24:44]: “Exactly. That's probably the best way to put it.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven’t listened.