State Department"s efforts to discredit reporters over conservative blacklist

In March 2023, internal documents revealed that the US State Department attempted to discredit journalists Matt Taibbi and Gabe Kaminsky, as well as a member of Congress, in response to reports about its funding of a conservative media blacklist. Taibbi's investigation highlighted the GEC's pressure on social media platforms to censor content during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Kaminsky uncovered a $100,000 grant to the Global Disinformation Index, which created a blacklist of media outlets, including The Post. The GEC's actions raised concerns about its role in domestic censorship, despite its stated focus on foreign disinformation. The agency's guidance documents criticized the journalists for allegedly spreading misinformation, while failing to address the implications of their findings. The State Department maintained that it had been responsive to inquiries and that its work was limited to international disinformation efforts. The controversy intensified as lawmakers weighed in, with Rep. Jim Banks advocating against funding entities that suppress free speech. The State Department's narrative sought to frame the journalists' reports as unfounded, while also attempting to downplay the significance of the GEC's funding to the Global Disinformation Index. As scrutiny of the GEC's operations continued, a House Small Business Committee report highlighted issues with the agency's recordkeeping and audit procedures. This situation underscores the ongoing debate over government involvement in media regulation and the potential implications for free speech in the United States.