US Embassies Told to Cut Off News Subscriptions

Washington Post reports that U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad were asked to cancel their subscriptions to certain news services.

An anonymous State Department official told the Post that the decision to restrict media access to those deemed “non-mission crucial” could prevent employees from the department around the world from having the ability to view critical information on local issues and events.

The move is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to save money and stop paying for media services.

The Post reported that the State Department’s communication to overseas offices stated: “Considering this urgency, posts are requested to immediately stop work orders on all non-missioncritical contracts/purchase orders for media subscriptions, (publications and periodicals) that aren’t academic or professional journals.”

The State Department and the White House didn’t immediately release the information through their normal processes of providing reporters with information.

The cancellation notice permits foreign service offices to request to continue a subscription to media, but “it must be done in 1 sentence.”

The cancellation order specifically mentions the media outlet Politico. Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, mentioned that government subscriptions to Politico would be canceled last week.

The Trump administration and the Associated Press have been at odds over Trump’s decision to name the Gulf of America as the replacement for the Gulf of Mexico. Since last week, AP journalists have been banned from White House events over the name controversy. They also were denied permission to fly on Air Force One along with the president.