Trump hates the free and independent press and has not made it a secret since he got into politics. His daily attacks have been going on for years. In his lust for power, Trump knows that he has to take control of all the media to create a lasting dictatorship.
Because Trump wasn't able to take down the free press during his first stint at the White House, he's redoubling his efforts now along with a full court press against government agencies and blue states' rights. His strident descriptions of media organizations as "enemies of the state" and "fake news" has marginalized the "legitimate" press."
* Threatening libel lawsuits against news organizations.
* Publicly attacking journalists by name and calling for their dismissal.
* Suggesting he will weaponize the government against media outlets he dislikes.
* Attempting to dismantle Voice of America and cut funding for public broadcasting.
According to Raw Story:
"Miles Taylor, who wrote the anonymous "resistance" New York Times op-ed while serving in Trump's first administration, wrote on his "Treason" Substack page that he's heard from multiple national security and political journalists who are actively preparing for possible subpoenas, surveillance or search warrants."
Taylor warned major news outlets and independent media that the Trump administration is preparing to ramp up efforts to expose their sources. The Justice Department recently came up with a new policy on whistleblowers that would have been illegal in former administrations.
The result of this insidious tactic will be whistleblowers and government officials won't be able to count on being protected so they won't report wrongdoing. If that happens truth vanishes forever.
As it Stands, as a retired newspaper editor and publisher I'm horrified at what's happening to the messengers who are the last line of defense for democracy.
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