Politician Kicks Out Reporter, Then Lies About It—Audio Proves Otherwise

A journalist gets kicked out of a politician's rally. But what happened next was far more revealing than the ejection itself.

The 'Top-Notch Hater' Incident

Elaine Godfrey arrived early Monday morning at Representative Jasmine Crockett's "Community Conversation" in Lubbock, Texas. The Atlantic reporter showed her press credentials, was waved inside, and began interviewing attendees—wearing her favorite Menards baseball cap because she was "having a bad hair day."

After Crockett's speech, Godfrey tried joining a closed-door press scrum but was turned away. So she did what journalists do: interviewed people in the crowd. That's when a badged woman called her name, and Godfrey hit "Record" on her iPhone.

The woman's message was clear: "They just said, 'Elaine from Atlantic, white girl with a hat and notepad. She's interviewing people in the crowd. She's a top-notch hater and will spin. She needs to leave.'"

Armed security guards escorted Godfrey off the property. Fortunately, she captured the entire exchange on audio.

The Cover-Up Attempt

The real story began Wednesday when a CBS reporter asked Crockett about the incident. The congresswoman's response was stunning in its audacity.

"There is a specific journalist who has a history of being less than truthful, and frankly there's no evidence of anything that she's talking about," Crockett claimed. She went further, alleging the journalist had been "previously and successfully sued for defamation" and questioning why any news outlet would employ someone when "the one thing that matters most is truth."

Except none of that was true. Godfrey has never been sued for defamation, successfully or otherwise. She had simply written a profile of Crockett last year that the representative didn't appreciate. Most importantly, there was crystal-clear audio evidence of exactly what transpired.

When Politicians Cry 'Fake News' While Spreading It

This incident reveals something deeper than a simple media dustup. A Democratic politician who publicly champions press freedom privately labeled a journalist a "hater," had her ejected, then publicly spread false information about the reporter when questioned.

The irony is palpable: Crockett emphasized that "truth matters most" while simultaneously making demonstrably false claims. When Godfrey called the congresswoman directly, Crockett said "Oh!" in apparent surprise and hung up, ignoring follow-up texts.

The contrast couldn't be starker. The journalist provided unedited audio evidence. The politician provided unsubstantiated claims that were easily fact-checked and found wanting.

The Broader Questions

This case study illuminates the complex relationship between politicians and press in 2026. Politicians across the spectrum regularly criticize "fake news" and question media credibility. But what happens when they're the ones spreading misinformation?

Crockett represents a new generation of politicians who built their brands partly on social media authenticity and transparency. Yet when faced with uncomfortable scrutiny, the response was to exclude, then deflect with false claims.

The incident also raises questions about campaign event access. Should politicians be able to selectively exclude journalists based on previous coverage? Where's the line between campaign control and press freedom?

Whom do you trust more: the politician claiming truth matters most, or the reporter who pressed record?