Press Advocates Accuse Maryland Governor of Blocking Sinclair Inquiries
Eight press-freedom groups wrote to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, asking him to stop sending questions from Sinclair affiliate journalists into lengthy legal reviews. They likened the practice to President Trump’s decision to keep certain outlets out of the White House press pool. The conflict unfolds alongside a defamation suit against Moore filed by Sinclair chair David Smith.
Eight organizations, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, signed a Tuesday letter to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. They objected to state agencies routing requests from Sinclair-affiliated reporters—such as The Baltimore Sun, FOX45, 7News and Spotlight on Maryland—to legal review, even when the topics are unrelated to David Smith’s July defamation suit against Moore.
Moore’s office rejected the characterization, saying agencies and his office had recently answered many Sinclair questions. It described legal screening as routine diligence tied to Smith’s lawsuit, not a blanket refusal. The dispute follows Baltimore Sun pieces questioning Moore’s military record, written by two Sinclair employees, Drew Sullins and Sean Lawlor.
The standoff may affect how quickly Maryland residents learn about state government, because reporters at Sinclair outlets could face delays when seeking routine answers. It could also shape how other officials handle media requests during lawsuits, potentially encouraging more legal screening or prompting stronger press-freedom challenges. The outcome may influence trust in government transparency and the practical ability of local newsrooms to hold officials accountable.