Suppressing Press Freedom and Restricting Information Access
Donald Trump has faced criticism for suppressing press freedom and restricting information access. His administration has taken steps such as filing lawsuits against major news organizations, cutting federal funding for public broadcasters like NPR, and signing executive orders that limit free speech. Trump has frequently referred to the press as the “enemy of the people” and has pursued legal action against media outlets over their coverage of his administration. Additionally, his administration has sought to dismantle publicly funded media organizations such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. These moves have raised concerns among journalists and free speech advocates, who argue that such actions undermine the role of an independent press in a democratic society.
Examples
- Targeting Media Outlets: Trump frequently refers to the press as the “enemy of the people” and has filed lawsuits against major news outlets like CNN and CBS News, accusing them of defamation. Such actions intimidate journalists and discourage critical reporting.
- FCC Investigations: The Federal Communications Commission, led by a Trump ally, launched probes into CBS, ABC, NBC, NPR, and PBS. This was an effort to intimidate media organizations.
- Associated Press (AP): The AP was barred from the Oval Office and Air Force One after referring to the “Gulf of Mexico” instead of the “Gulf of America,” as decreed by Trump. This raised concerns about editorial independence.
- Voice of America and NPR: Trump signed an executive order to dismantle U.S. overseas outlets like Voice of America and threatened to starve NPR and PBS of federal funds. These moves are attempt to curtail public broadcasting.
- Executive Orders on Social Media: In 2025, Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” which accused the previous administration of pressuring social media platforms to moderate content. While framed as a defense of free speech, it is an attempt to influence how platforms handle content, potentially chilling certain types of expression.
- Revoking Grants Over Language: Environmental and social justice organizations report losing federal funding for using terms like “equity” and “socioeconomic” in their grant applications. This is as an effort to control the language and focus of publicly funded projects.
- Sanctioning Universities and Law Firms: The administration has targeted institutions it deems ideologically opposed, such as universities accused of promoting “anti-American” views and law firms representing causes Trump opposes. These actions raise concerns about viewpoint discrimination.
- Higher Education Funding Restrictions – Trump issued executive orders threatening to cut federal funding from universities that fail to disclose foreign financial contributions. This move was framed as a transparency measure but was seen as an effort to exert control over academic institutions.
- Revocation of Federal Grants – The administration froze billions of dollars in federal grants to institutions like Columbia University and Harvard University over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests. This raised concerns about political influence over academic funding.
- Arrests of Activists: The administration has arrested individuals involved in protests or activism, such as Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student accused of supporting anti-American activities. These arrests are not only illegal and a violation of our rights, they also suppress dissent and discourage activism.
- Rumeysa Ozturk and Mahmoud Khalil: College students detained by ICE for allegedly espousing pro-Hamas beliefs. Their detention lacked due process and strongly suggests targeting individuals for their political views