Trump Ally’s Media Outlets Accused of Targeting Black Leaders

Maryland’s top Black political leaders, Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, are accusing a powerful media conglomerate, owned by a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, of racially and politically targeting them. Sinclair Broadcast Group, headquartered in Baltimore, is facing scrutiny for its coverage of Moore and Scott, with critics alleging a deliberate effort to undermine Black leadership.

Scrutiny of Black Leaders

Sinclair’s outlets, including WBFF/Fox 45 and The Baltimore Sun (which Sinclair acquired in 2024), have reportedly focused intensely on Governor Moore and Mayor Scott. Coverage has included scrutinizing Moore’s military and basketball records, questioning Mayor Scott’s purchase of a new security fleet, and even accusing the mayor of hiring a gang member based on attire.

While some reporting might appear as standard journalistic practice, both Moore and Scott believe a more sinister agenda is at play. Governor Moore described The Baltimore Sun, once a respected paper of record, as having ‘declined’ under Sinclair’s leadership, becoming a ‘right-wing tribble’ used to ‘curry favor’ with Trump. David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, has a well-documented history of supporting Trump and using his media platforms to promote right-wing narratives.

Allegations of Undermining Black Political Power

Mayor Scott specifically pointed to Sinclair’s past funding of ballot initiatives aimed at undermining Baltimore’s leadership, such as pushing for term limits and recall elections in a predominantly Black city with overwhelmingly Black elected officials. “It’s very clear that they do not want to see free or liberated Black political power,” Scott told TheGrio.

Scott has had direct clashes with Sinclair reporters. He called out Fox 45 reporter Gary Collins for questioning his office about a ‘Safe Streets’ program worker’s alleged gang affiliation based on a blue cap. Scott also labeled reporter Tessa Bentulan’s questioning about his security fleet’s cost as having a ‘racist slant,’ noting the omission of key details and the lack of similar scrutiny towards white leaders like former Governor Larry Hogan.

A Propaganda Machine?

Scott described Sinclair’s outlets not as news organizations but as a “propaganda machine,” asserting that anyone who doesn’t align with their agenda is subjected to accusations of racism. He recalled a meeting with David Smith before his mayoral run, where Smith allegedly threatened to “come after” him if he didn’t comply with demands for unredacted personal documents.

Political Commentator Weighs In

Political commentator Reecie Colbert echoed these sentiments, stating that Moore and Scott are “absolutely” being targeted. She believes this is part of a broader MAGA strategy to prevent Democrats, and particularly Black leaders who deliver results, from holding power. Colbert suggested Sinclair aims to “kneecap” Governor Moore’s potential presidential aspirations.

Historical Context and Media Ownership

The article also touches on David Smith’s own controversial past, including a 1996 arrest for soliciting a prostitute, and how his company has used its media power to navigate accountability. The situation highlights a larger trend of conservative media ownership and its impact on political discourse, prompting discussions about Democrats needing to invest in their own media infrastructure rather than relying solely on organic reach.