TV networks boost security for reporters at Trump rallies

TV networks are boosting security for reporters at President Trump’s campaign-style rallies in light of his escalating rhetoric against the press, according to Politico. 

Though most networks would not respond to Politico’s questions about security at rallies, Politico examined social media posts from multiple broadcast reporters discussing their expanded security details. 

ABC’s Tara Palmeri, a White House correspondent, wrote an article about what it was like to cover Trump rallies “for the first time with a bodyguard.”

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Politico also noted a recent Instagram post from NBC’s Geoff Bennet, who posted a photo of himself with NBC’s security detail. 

“We need security guards when covering rallies hosted by the President of the United States,” Bennett noted in the caption, according to Politico. “Let that sink in.” 

The New York Times and The Washington Post declined to offer specifics, but representatives from both outlets said they are reassessing and expanding safety measures for their reporters.

“[Recently] we have expanded measures to protect our journalists against the overall backdrop of increased threats and verbal attacks,” New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha told Politico. 

The Post told Politico their reporters have faced increased threats over the past several years.

“The volume of concerning threats has risen over the past couple of years, and we have been taking the necessary actions to make sure our staff is safe — that includes reviewing our protocols and coordinating with local authorities, as necessary,” Gregg Fernandes, the Post’s vice president in charge of security, told Politico.

CNN’s Jim Acosta, one of the president’s highest-profile sparring partners in the media, reportedly travels to rallies with security personnel, according to The New York Times. 

The president is hosting an increasing number of campaign-style rallies across the country ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, and the “fake news” media is one of his primary targets. Crowds regularly chant “CNN sucks,” and cheer excitedly when Trump decries the press as the “enemy of the people.” 

Acosta last week posted videos of Trump supporters jeering and holding up the middle finger at him.

“I’m very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt,” Acosta tweeted at the time. “We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy.” 

Just a sample of the sad scene we faced at the Trump rally in Tampa. I’m very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt. We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy. pic.twitter.com/IhSRw5Ui3R

— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) July 31, 2018

Multiple White House reporters told Politico that there is also increased attention being paid to the safety of journalists following the Capital Gazette newsroom shooting in Maryland, which killed five people.