The article details President Trump's ongoing efforts to suppress investigative journalism and intimidate news outlets. This includes investigations into broadcast networks, challenges to federal funding of public media, blocking the Associated Press from news conferences, and seizing control of the White House press pool. Trump's personal lawsuits against news organizations further amplify the pressure.
The Justice Department's reinstatement of a rule allowing federal investigators to secretly pursue journalists' records in leak investigations is highlighted as a particularly alarming development. While some safeguards remain, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expresses concerns about the chilling effect on reporting. This action is seen as a continuation of tactics employed during Trump's first term, but escalated to new levels.
The article notes a palpable sense of fear among journalists. CPJ reports an increase in newsrooms seeking safety advice. Trump's actions, including lawsuits and threats against specific media outlets and individuals, are cited as contributing factors to this climate of fear.
Experts emphasize that these attacks are not random, but rather part of an autocratic playbook. Concerns are raised about the administration's control over federal agencies and the potential for censorship. The article concludes by highlighting the vulnerability of journalists who rely on the support of their employers to report freely.