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Council member questions MOIA commissioner on restrictions to criticize Trump administration
1:14:12
ยท
74 sec
Council Member Shahana Hanif questions MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro about potential restrictions on criticizing President Trump or his policies. Castro's responses indicate adherence to communication protocols without directly answering the question.
- Castro refers to following guidance from the communications team
- Hanif expresses disappointment with the lack of a clear answer
- The exchange highlights tension between the council's desire for transparency and the administration's communication policies
Shahana Hanif
1:14:12
With a friendly reminder that you're under the oath, commissioner and others on this panel, has the mayor or any other senior officials in city hall instructed you not to criticize president Trump or his policies?
Manuel Castro
1:14:32
We follow the guidance and instructions from our communications team with respect to media interviews and our public statements.
1:14:44
That's very much standard across our offices and agencies, and, you know, these are protocols that we have to follow in that arm.
Shahana Hanif
1:14:53
I don't think that answers my question at all.
1:14:57
Are you instructed not to criticize president Trump?
Manuel Castro
1:15:03
We have not been asked
Margaret Martin
1:15:04
It's a a yes or
Manuel Castro
1:15:06
no.
1:15:07
Have not
Shahana Hanif
1:15:07
been council is asking.
Manuel Castro
1:15:09
Again, you know, we continue to follow the instruction of our communications deputy mayor and the teams that are providing us with what we can and cannot share publicly.