Hey guys, it’s me, Sam.

I’ve spent my career in journalism, at both ideological and mainstream outlets. I’ve served as a White House correspondent and a White House editor. I’ve covered four presidents and five presidencies.

So it’s been deeply unsettling for me to watch this week as Donald Trump kicked Politico, CNN, and MS NOW out of the White House based solely on the fact that he doesn’t like their coverage of him.

Some folks may not see this as a big deal, certainly when so much else is going wrong in this administration and across the world.

I’m here to say, it is a big deal. A very big one.

Press freedom is foundational for our country. Oversight of the president is essential for our government. Now more than ever, the ability to report on the Trump administration without fear that you might get banished is absolutely vital.

But Trump doesn’t want scrutiny. He doesn’t want accountability. He wants to choose the people who cover him and the coverage he gets. It’s gross. It’s weak. It’s wrong. And it’s very dangerous.

Which is why it is so critically important to support journalism right now—and independent media in particular.

Support the mission—support The Bulwark

At The Bulwark, we call it like we see it. We report on the president without fear. We aren’t owned by billionaires trying to curry favor with the administration. And we sure as hell aren’t going to change what we say because Donald Trump might get pissed off.

Our job is straightforward: We tell you the truth. We hold people in power to account. We defend the democratic principles that define this country—including the freedom of the damn press!

So if you care about the truth, about holding the Trump administration accountable, about supporting journalists who won’t fold in the face of pressure, then I ask only one thing in return—

Become a Bulwark+ member. Help us grow the independent media that this moment demands.

—Sam

If doing more is within your means, Bulwark+ Founding Memberships fuel our growth and ensure we can give away memberships to anyone who can’t afford a subscription but who wants to join the best community on the internet. Upgrade now.