President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at the Boston Globe for coordinating an effort among newspapers across the country to publish editorials supporting a free press, and made a false claim about the Globe's 2013 sale. Security was later increased at the Globe's downtown office following reports of threats made against the newspaper.
As of Thursday morning, more than 350 news outlets nationwide had published editorials criticizing Trump's frequent attacks on the news media, including a Boston Business Journal op-ed focused on the business community's role in responding to the president's rhetoric.
Trump tweeted on Thursday morning that the Globe was "in COLLUSION with other papers on free press" — an apparent reference to special counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into the Russian government's interference in the 2016 presidential election, and whether the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow.
The tweet included the false claim that the Globe was sold for $1. The New York Times sold the Globe to John Henry in 2013 for $70 million. Trump also used an incorrect figure for the Times' purchase price in 1993. It was $1.1 billion, not $1.3 billion.
A Globe spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Security was increased around the Globe's building at 53 State St. on Thursday after the newspaper "received several threats via phone call," according to a memo that the building's management send to tenants around midday. A copy of the memo was obtained by the Business Journal:
"Earlier today a tenant in the building, the Boston Globe, received several threats via phone call. Based on this threat the local and federal authorities have recommended some additional security measures for the property. For the remainder of the day you will see uniformed Boston Police officers in the lobby and around the property. There are very few specifics, but the threat was specific to later this afternoon. The property is working closely with the authorities and we will advise all tenants of any updates or changes in this situation. The property is following all appropriate procedures and protocols."
Universal Hub was first to report on the memo Thursday.