Published 10/02/2025 18:14
Since assuming the presidency, Donald Trump has transformed his anti-medium rhetoric into concrete actions, using court proceedings, federal investigations and threats to withdraw licenses to silence criticism and press media outlets. His strategy, described by experts such as a “widespread Lawfare” (judicial persecution), has as its main target news organizations that question their actions or policies.
The multifaceted attack on freedom of expression, especially the ability of journalists to question the Trump administration, is perceived with an effort to intimidate the press to submission.
Also read: Trump expands press attack and replaces journalists with influencers
Processes, investigations and intimidation
Trump has already moved lawsuits against some of the biggest names in the American media. In March 2024, he sued ABC News for $ 15 million after anchor George Stephanopoulos claims that the president had been “considered responsible for raping” writer E. Jean Carroll after conviction for “sexual abuse”. The network eventually resolved the case outside the courts, in an agreement that included payment to the Trump Presidential Foundation.
Another target was the program 60 MinutesCBS, accused by Trump of misleading an interview with then -candidate Kamala Harris. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), now led by Brendan Carr, ally of Trump, has opened investigations into CBS and pressured the network to deliver gross interview transcripts and videos. CBS gave way, but the measure was criticized as an attempt of censorship and dangerous precedent.
Threats to licenses and public funding
Trump also threatened to remove licenses from transmission from networks such as NBC and ABC, alleging electoral interference. Although FCC has no authority to revoke licenses without technical justification, political pressure has created a climate of fear among broadcasters.
In addition, FCC has opened investigations against NPR and PBS, accusing them of displaying commercials, which would violate their public broadcasting licenses. Both denied the accusations, but the federal financing of these organizations is at risk. “This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the public press,” criticized Anna Gomez, Biden’s FCC commissioner.
Changes in access to information
In the Pentagon, the Department of Defense, now led by a former Fox News host, reorganized the press space of the press, replacing traditional vehicles with the end of the far right, such as One America News Network (OAN). The measure was seen as a retaliation for Trump’s critical coverage.
The measure considered predictable is also considered an opportunity for excluded vehicles to focus on investigative reports, rather than depending on the facilitated access to behind -the -scenes information. Press access is also expected to obstruct official information for investigative purposes.
The climate of fear and self -16th
Trump’s strategy is not limited to legal and administrative actions. His allies, as nominated for FBI director Kash Patel, publicly threatened to pursue journalists when speaking of far -right podcasts. Meanwhile, the White House has announced the creation of a media chair for podcasters and content creators, many of whom do not follow the same editorial patterns as the traditional press.
“These measures create a climate of fear that can lead to self -censorship,” warns Katherine Jacobsen of the journalist protection committee. “It’s a direct threat to democracy.”
A legacy of hostility
Trump’s hostility in relation to the press is not new. During his first term, he labeled journalists of “enemies of the people” and used the Justice Department to investigate leaks and seize telephone records from reporters from reporters from The Washington Post, The New York Times e CNN.
“The Obama government has used Espionage Act in a problematic way, but Trump has taken this to another level,” says Heidi Kosser, a professor of constitutional law that focuses on matters of freedom of expression at Northwestern University, in an interview with Aljazira. “He is a vengeful president who sees the press as a personal enemy.”
A democracy under threat
Trump’s offensive against the critical press represents an unprecedented threat to freedom of expression in the US. By using lawsuits, federal investigations and changes in access to information, the government seeks to silence dissident voices and control the public narrative. Meanwhile, media organizations and press freedom advocates warn of the risks of intimidated and self -censorship journalism.
Source: vermelho.org.br
