Trump's Second Term: Press Freedom Under Threat

Donald Trump's second term is expected to pose significant threats to press freedom in the United States. During his campaign, he expressed hostility towards the media, stating at a rally that he 'wouldn't mind' if an assassin shot journalists present. He indicated intentions to jail journalists, pursue their confidential sources, revoke broadcast licenses of major networks, and criminalize efforts to combat disinformation.

These developments align the U.S. press landscape with that of countries known for their restrictive media environments, such as the Philippines, Hungary, and Venezuela. Trump's administration is likely to resist fundamental practices of independent journalism, raising concerns among press freedom advocates.

Legal harassment of journalists could escalate, as Trump has a history of suing media outlets for defamation, including a recent lawsuit against CBS over its interview with Kamala Harris. The potential for online threats against journalists may increase, particularly as social media platforms adjust their policies in ways that critics argue could facilitate harassment.

The fight to legislate against hate speech and disinformation appears to have faltered, with many pro-Trump Republicans framing efforts to regulate social media as violations of free speech. Trump has labeled these initiatives as part of a 'censorship cartel' during his campaign.

Additionally, Trump's first term saw attempts to drastically cut funding for public service media, which provide independent news reporting. Funding for such broadcasters was reduced from $465 million to $30 million, although Congress blocked these cuts. The future of such funding remains uncertain as Trump returns to office.

International press freedom organizations have raised alarms about the implications of Trump's return for journalism in the U.S. A pre-election survey indicated that 23% of Americans did not view threats against journalists as a significant issue, suggesting a disconnect between public perception and the realities of press freedom under Trump.

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