Former President Donald Trump’s recent attacks on media outlets are raising concerns about the erosion of press freedom and democratic values. MSNBC host Jen Psaki highlighted the striking resemblance between Trump’s tactics and those employed by authoritarian leaders in countries like Russia and China.
In a post on his Truth Social media platform, Trump accused MSNBC of conducting a 24-hour “hit job” on him and the Republican Party, alleging “election interference.” He called for government intervention and hinted at further actions against the network.
Psaki pointed out that MSNBC is a cable news network that does not use “free government approved airwaves.” While it follows federal broadcasting rules, it also finances its own broadcast. Notably, Trump did not mention Fox News, a right-wing media outlet known for its criticism of Democratic politicians and policies.
Psaki expressed concern over Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, emphasizing his call for the U.S. government to take action against a media outlet. She underscored that a free press is a cornerstone of democracy and condemned Trump’s threat as an attack on press freedom.
Furthermore, Psaki noted that Trump’s actions align with the tactics employed by authoritarian leaders. She highlighted his previous praise for leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who have targeted journalists for merely doing their jobs.
Trump’s history of media threats, including labeling unfavorable coverage as “fake news” and expressing a desire to change libel laws, has drawn parallels to authoritarian regimes’ efforts to discredit critical news sources. These tactics sow distrust in experts and official sources, a common strategy among authoritarian leaders.
As Trump positions himself as the front-runner in the Republican primary for the 2024 presidential nomination, concerns grow about the potential consequences of his media attacks. Civil rights groups warn of a likely increase in hate crimes, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, as Trump continues to use his platforms to demonize marginalized communities.
Trump’s ongoing assault on the media serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in upholding democratic values and safeguarding against authoritarianism.