Axios fires reporter for calling DeSantis press release 'propaganda'

An Axios reporter in Tampa, Ben Montgomery, was fired after he called a news release from the Florida Department of Education about an event featuring Gov. Ron DeSantis "propaganda." The news release called for prohibiting state funds from being used to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. Montgomery replied to the email, calling it propaganda, and the Education Department's communication officer shared his reply on Twitter. Montgomery said the news release had "no substance." This is not the first time DeSantis' administration has criticized the news media.