The looming shadow of a second Trump administration casts a pall over the American press. Trump’s history of antagonistic rhetoric towards journalists, coupled with his past actions and pronouncements, fuels widespread apprehension among news organizations. The potential for lawsuits, the targeting of anonymous sources, the threat of physical intimidation, and the relentless demonization of the media are all significant concerns.
The recent $15 million settlement by ABC News in a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump highlights the financial vulnerabilities and potential legal risks facing news outlets. This incident, where an inaccurate statement made by George Stephanopoulos led to a substantial payout, underscores the high stakes involved in covering Trump and his administration. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press aptly warns of both overt and subtle challenges to press freedom, emphasizing the need for rapid response and sustained legal battles to protect journalistic rights.
While some voices counsel against prematurely adopting a confrontational stance, the concerns are palpable. Trump’s past statements, including his promise of ‘second and third chances’ but not a ‘fourth,’ hint at a potential pattern of retribution. His tendency to bypass legacy media outlets in favor of alternative platforms doesn’t lessen the intensity of his grievances with established news organizations like ABC, CBS, and NBC.
The Trump administration’s penchant for framing routine reporting as attacks is also cause for alarm. The instances surrounding Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary exemplify this tactic. The New York Times’ attempt to obtain comment from Hegseth’s mother regarding an email critical of his treatment of women was characterized as a threat, while ProPublica’s fact-checking of Hegseth’s West Point claim was spun into a smear campaign. These examples showcase how readily routine journalistic actions can be distorted into attacks.
The potential for legal challenges and the manipulation of the narrative are major threats. During the previous campaign, Trump pursued legal action against CBS News over interview editing, suggested revoking ABC News’s license, and demanded equal time on NBC. These actions highlight the administration’s willingness to exploit legal and regulatory mechanisms to control the media narrative. Trump’s occasional engagement with mainstream media outlets, such as his recent interview on “Meet the Press,” doesn’t diminish the need for journalists to be vigilant in how their work will be portrayed and potentially distorted.
Further fueling concerns are Trump’s appointments to key positions, some of whom have openly expressed anti-media sentiments. Kash Patel, designated to lead the FBI, has stated intentions to pursue media figures who spread misinformation. Brendan Carr at the FCC and Kari Lake at Voice of America, both with known anti-media views, represent another layer of concern, indicating a systemic targeting of media freedom. The possibility of reversing the Justice Department’s policy prohibiting the seizure of journalists’ records adds to the mounting anxieties within the journalistic community. Newsrooms are urging reporters to safeguard their work and avoid storing sensitive materials in cloud storage.
The specter of past incidents, such as journalists covering immigration issues facing increased scrutiny and potential questioning, looms large. Reports of potential physical threats and digital hostility toward journalists are also concerning, with PEN America expressing deep concern over Trump’s past comments that could incite violence against the press. The proposed legislation to defund public radio and television and the potential Supreme Court revisitation of defamation precedents raise fears of a systematic assault on press freedom and journalistic integrity.
Drawing parallels to Hungary’s experience under Viktor Orbán’s regime offers a chilling preview of potential scenarios. Orbán’s systematic dismantling of media independence serves as a stark warning. However, there’s also a glimmer of hope in Hungary’s experience: despite repression, independent journalism persists. This suggests that the power of independent journalism, while diminished, remains a force to be reckoned with. The key is persistent reporting, and for journalists not to position themselves as outright resistance, a tactic that might lead to more dismissal rather than engagement.
