Trump’s Attacks on the Press: Telling Escalation From Empty Threats

[Commentary] Rage against the media is political Wagyu for the president’s base. And Trump’s notion of suspending television networks’ licenses — along with his proposal that late-night comedians be subject to the “equal time” rule — is essentially unworkable, given how government regulation of the airwaves actually works. So was it a genuine threat — or just another comment from a president who seemingly thrives on narrative tension simply trying to top himself? “One has to suppose that he’s looking for ways to shock people,” said Russell Baker. “It may go through, or he might probably forget about it,” said the former columnist for The Times. “Is anybody shocked anymore? He’s used it up. It can only last so long.” “What else could he say that he hasn’t already said?” said Bob Schieffer, the broadcasting eminence who formerly anchored “CBS Evening News”. Seen-it-all veterans may take Trump’s recent statements with a few grains of salt. But two former White House officials turned pundits, David Axelrod and Robert Reich, warned of creeping autocracy. And advocacy groups like the Committee to Protect Journalists were moved to point out that such words, issued from the presidential pulpit, can embolden dictators who are more empowered than President Trump to shape or censor coverage.