Grade 1 of 5: Significant Democratic Concern
Press Freedom: 'Enemy of the People' and Systematic Media Attacks
Trump's attacks on the press were systematic and escalating: he labeled specific organizations (CNN, NBC, the New York Times, Washington Post) 'fake news,' called reporters 'enemies of the people,' suggested revoking NBC's broadcast license, threatened to revoke press credentials, and cheered when supporters physically confronted journalists at rallies. At an October 2018 rally he praised Rep. Greg Gianforte, who had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault for body-slamming a reporter. Reporters covering Trump rallies documented being surrounded by hostile crowds. Authoritarian governments around the world cited Trump's 'fake news' rhetoric when expelling journalists or restricting press access.