National Security Reporting in the Trump Era
Chicago students and their mentors in the national security specialization assessed the challenge to journalists in the new Trump administration. During the long dinner, the students questioned their mentors, all former foreign correspondents, on how to be effective in reporting on a White House that sees the media as “opponents”. Not relying on official explanations and developing more sources both inside and outside government was one suggestion. That included being creative in identifying who has a stake in the decision-making process.
The national security specialization’s mentor program links each student in Chicago and in Washington with a veteran reporter or editor who donates his or her time and expertise in reporting techniques and in career development.