Journalism Rights Groups Fear Trump’s Threat To Press Freedom

Journalism groups and media reporters warn that a Donald Trump presidency could do serious damage to press freedom. Throughout his campaign, Trump has launched a series of attacks on the press, ranging from personally attacking reporters to barring critical outlets from covering his events to promising to “open up our libel laws” if he’s elected. Trump also has a long history of suing or threatening to sue critical journalists, and he and a top ally have both invoked the prospect of enacting retribution against media using the government.

Recently, The New York Times cited legal experts explaining how Trump's "blustery attacks on the press, complaints about the judicial system and bold claims of presidential power collectively sketch out a constitutional worldview that shows contempt for the First Amendment, the separation of powers and the rule of law." In interviews with Media Matters, journalists and press freedom experts raised several concerns about how a President Trump would deal with the media.