Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/02/2025

Federal Agencies Ordered to Remove “Gender Ideology” and DEI Content from Websites

The Trump administration has ordered all federal agencies to remove online content related to “gender ideology” and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a memo from Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Charles Ezell, agencies were instructed to comply with the executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism” by removing materials from websites, social media, and other media by Friday at 5 PM. As a result, multiple pages related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and public health data—including CDC’s HIV surveillance and Youth Risk Survey—were taken down. The order also directs agencies to eliminate funding for programs supporting “gender ideology” and review how gender is defined on federal forms. Additionally, a separate order mandates the removal of DEIA office information from government websites. (Read More) (NPR Rating)

Pentagon Revokes Office Space for Major News Outlets in Media Rotation Plan

The Department of Defense has announced a new “annual media rotation program” that will remove several major news outlets, including NBC News, The New York Times, NPR, and Politico, from their dedicated Pentagon office spaces. The change, which goes into effect on February 14, replaces them with One America News Network (Questionable), the New York Post (Mixed), Breitbart News (Questionable), and HuffPost (Mixed). The decision follows controversy surrounding recently confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faced media scrutiny over alleged personal misconduct. Critics argue the move disproportionately favors conservative outlets, while the Pentagon insists it is expanding press access. NBC News expressed disappointment, saying the decision hinders its ability to report from the Pentagon. (Read More) (NBC News Rating)

Marjorie Taylor Greene Suggests Banning Foreign Journalists from White House Briefings

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) suggested removing foreign press from the White House briefing room, reacting to a journalist’s accent during a press conference on Friday. Greene’s comment, posted on X (formerly Twitter), praised White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt while arguing that “American media should come first.” The remark aligns with broader changes in press access under the Trump administration, which has expanded credentials to “new media” members, influencers, and podcasters while reinstating credentials revoked under the previous administration. Critics have condemned Greene’s statement as xenophobic, while supporters claim it prioritizes U.S.-based journalists. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)