Press Freedom and Government Accountability

The video explores the relationship between U.S. presidents and the press, focusing on the challenges of government leaks. It begins with Trump's attacks on the media, comparing them to Nixon's efforts to stop the Pentagon Papers. The narrative then shifts to Ellsberg's trial and the Watergate scandal, highlighting the legal battles over press freedom. The Obama administration's aggressive prosecution of leakers is discussed, followed by Trump's continuation of these tactics. The video emphasizes the importance of a free press in a democracy and the ongoing struggle to balance national security with public transparency.

What was a hallmark of President Trump's presidency regarding the press?

• Collaborating with the press

• Attacking the press as fake news

• Ignoring the press

• Supporting press freedom

What did the Pentagon Papers reveal about the Vietnam War?

• The war was a success

• Presidents had misled the public

• The war was never controversial

• The government had been transparent

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the publication of the Pentagon Papers?

• The Times was prohibited from publishing

• The Times had the right to publish

• The case was dismissed

• The government won the case

Who was Daniel Ellsberg and what was his role in the Pentagon Papers case?

• A Supreme Court Justice

• A government official who supported Nixon

• A military analyst who leaked the papers

• A journalist who wrote the papers

How did the Obama administration handle leaks compared to previous administrations?

• It ignored leaks

• It charged more people under the Espionage Act

• It reduced leak investigations

• It supported whistleblowers

What controversial action did the Obama administration take against journalists?

• Seized their phone records

• Banned them from press conferences

• Ignored their reports

• Gave them awards

What was a key strategy of the Trump administration regarding leaks?

• Encouraging leaks

• Ignoring leaks

• Aggressively prosecuting leakers

• Rewarding leakers

How did the Trump administration publicly describe the media?

• As government partners

• As neutral observers

• As the opposition party

• As allies

What was a significant concern about the Trump administration's approach to the press?

• It was too lenient

• It ignored the press

• It was too supportive

• It threatened press freedom

What is a critical aspect of democracy according to Daniel Ellsberg?

• Government control of information

• Limited public access to information

• Press freedom and public knowledge

• Secrecy in government operations