All three networks this morning predictably reacted negatively to President Trump signing an executive order to scale back federal regulations on religious organizations. Calling the order “controversial,” the three networks warned the bill would likely cause discrimination and fretted about forced birth control coverage. Yet not one of the networks interviewed a religious group that would be affected positively by this order.
The new executive order would roll back the Johnson Amendment and some of the regulations put on organizations by Obama. Now, religious groups can endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status, and can choose to exempt contraception from their employees’ healthcare plans, for moral objections.
Despite the positive outlook for religious groups who have been previously hampered by restrictions on their freedom of religion, the three morning show broadcasts were less than enthused about the news.
NBC’s Today show set the pessimistic tone by describing the order as “controversial” right off the bat. White House Correspondent Kristen Welker declared, “Later today President Trump will sign a controversial executive order aimed at easing restrictions on political activity by churches and charities.”
She then touted that the order could cause “discrimination,” failing to note that “discrimination” against religious groups was exactly why the order was signed.
“That move is being cheered by conservatives but opponents warn it could lead to discrimination.”
Over on ABC’s Good Morning America, anchor Robin Roberts and White House Correspondent Cecilia Vega fretted that this order was going to make people upset and cause protests.
ROBERTS: But still a lot of people are not pleased with this at all in fact a lot of protests are planned when the president comes back to New York City for the first time since his inauguration. Tell people about the preparations here in the city.
VEGA: You're exactly right. Law enforcement preparing for some big protests today...
CBS This Morning took a different approach, touting that Trump was “erasing” and “rolling back” Obama’s “legacy.”
GARRETT: One item not in Mr. Trump’s order? Reported draft language that would’ve erased another Obama legacy item by permitting federal contractors to discriminate against LGBT employees.
Garrett added that these Obama era mandates were part of his predecessor’s “achievements” as a snarky segway:
“Rolling back his predecessor’s achievements is one thing,” Garrett said, “Achieving Middle East peace is another."
