President Trump: A Free Press Is Not the Enemy

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**The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented battle against the freedoms of information, speech, and press.** They have repeatedly denied the truth of irrefutable facts. Simultaneously, they concoct their own realities, fabricating events or targeting individuals and organizations that contradict Trump, such as the claims of widespread voter fraud. When the media questions Trump or his administration on the legitimacy of their facts and sources, members of the media have been dismissed and insulted.

In a meeting with the CIA, Trump said, "**I have a running war with the media**. They are among the most dishonest human beings on Earth" (New York Times). Days later, chief White House strategist, Stephen K. Bannon said in an interview to the _New York Times_, "The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while."

Trump also threatened the media, saying, "We're going to open up libel laws, and we're going to have people sue you like you've never got sued before," (Politico).

According to the _New York Times_, in order for Trump to change libel laws, he would have to either amend the Constitution or get the Supreme Court to overturn Times v. Sullivan or a related libel law decision. Trump and his administration are spending too much time and energy trying to keep the media from reporting and not enough time and energy on the important tasks they need to be doing to support our nation.

It is time for this to end. President Trump's voice will not silence the other important voices in this nation. **It is time to tell him that the American people won't stand for his ridiculous attempts to keep the media from reporting the facts.** We will not stand for Trump's administration to disrespect our media watchdogs and open them up to easy attacks.