26. Trump issued an executive order on his first day back in office, instructing that no federal officer, employee, or agent may unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen. This order, aimed at dismantling what Trump calls government “censorship,” also directs the attorney general to investigate how federal government actions during the Biden administration could have infringed on free speech [Star Tribune, Feb 12, 2025].
27. The administration has taken unprecedented steps to limit media access to government institutions. The White House ended the long-standing practice of allowing the independent White House Correspondents’ Association to select pool reporters, instead handpicking journalists themselves. Trump has maintained his hostile rhetoric toward mainstream press outlets, continuing to brand critical media as “fake news” and favoring friendly platforms for public communication [Fox News Town Hall, Jan 10, 2025].
28. Trump has escalated his attacks on media outlets through threats and legal action. He has repeatedly threatened to revoke broadcast licenses of networks he deems “fake news,” stating, “I think ABC took a big hit last night. I mean, to be honest, they’re a news organization. They have to be licensed to do it. They oughta take away their license for the way they do that” [Press Conference, Mar 15, 2025]. The administration has filed lawsuits against multiple media outlets, including CBS, ABC, and The Des Moines Register.
29. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been weaponized to investigate and pressure media organizations. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, accusing ABC of contributing to an “erosion in public trust” [CNN, Apr 2, 2025]. The administration has also begun giving private “policy briefings” to select far-right networks and social media influencers.
30. These actions have created a chilling effect on journalism, leading to self-censorship and compromises. ABC settled a defamation suit with Trump for $15 million, and CBS’s parent company is reportedly in settlement talks. Major news organizations like The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times faced backlash for postponing presidential endorsements.
31. Trump’s media control strategy extends to federal agencies as well. The administration has reportedly suppressed federal agency statistics in politically sensitive areas such as crime, immigration, climate change, and public health. Several agencies have been ordered to halt the public release of certain datasets that contradict the administration’s preferred narratives [Washington Post, May 5, 2025].
32. These actions collectively demonstrate a concerted effort by the Trump administration to undermine press freedom and control the flow of information, posing a significant threat to democratic norms and institutions in the United States. As Katherine Jacobsen of the Committee to Protect Journalists noted, “It’s about controlling the narrative and making sure that the journalists and the public more broadly are aware of how the White House feels about their reporting” [New York Times, Jun 1, 2025].
33. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/its-day-53-bill-southworth-x2jke