Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/26/2026

Report Links White House Staffer to Anonymous Pro-Trump X Account

WIRED reports that a senior White House rapid response manager, Garrett Wade, may be behind the anonymous pro-Trump X account “Johnny MAGA,” which has nearly 300,000 followers, citing publicly available records and a source familiar with the matter. The account frequently amplifies official administration messaging without disclosing any affiliation and has been cited by other outlets as reflecting grassroots sentiment. Experts warn that undisclosed ties between government officials and anonymous influencer accounts could blur the line between official communication and organic political support. Read More (News Facts Network Rating)

Judge Bars DOJ From Searching Washington Post Reporter’s Seized Devices

A federal magistrate judge ruled that the Justice Department may not search devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, stating the government cannot access her confiscated data. The FBI searched Natanson’s home in January amid an investigation into an alleged classified leak, after she reported on federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration. The judge criticized the government’s proposed remedy that she replace her devices and expressed hope the search was not intended to uncover confidential sources. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Advocacy Groups Urge Court to Block FTC Probe of Media Matters

Seventeen advocacy groups filed a brief urging a federal appellate court to block the FTC from resuming its investigation into Media Matters for America, arguing the probe is retaliatory. A district court previously ruled the group was likely to prove the investigation was issued with “retaliatory animus,” temporarily halting the agency’s civil investigative demand. The FTC contends its inquiry involves potential anticompetitive collusion in digital advertising, and oral arguments are scheduled for April 13. Read More (MediaPost Rating)