Press freedom groups that blasted Trump turn fire on Dem governor over alleged media retaliation

What happened: Seven press freedom groups sent an Oct. 13 letter accusing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore of retaliating against Sinclair outlets and The Baltimore Sun by sending their reporter inquiries to legal review. Moore's office denies any blanket refusal to engage. Key numbers: Letter dated Oct. 13. Smith filed his defamation lawsuit in July. Moore appeared on CNN on Sept. 20. Why it matters: The groups, which have criticized Trump's press treatment, say Moore's conduct resembles it. Moore's office calls the letter's premise false and cites legal review as due diligence in Smith's suit.

Seven press freedom groups sent an Oct. 13 letter accusing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore of retaliating against Sinclair outlets and The Baltimore Sun by sending their reporter inquiries to legal review. Moore's office denies any blanket refusal to engage.

The groups, which have criticized Trump's press treatment, say Moore's conduct resembles it. Moore's office calls the letter's premise false and cites legal review as due diligence in Smith's suit.