During Donald Trump’s initial presidency, concerns among journalists were heavily focused on terminology. Fear of being labeled as “fake news” or as “enemies of the people” by Trump and his followers was pervasive. Now, under Trump’s renewed leadership, a re-energized administration has taken more aggressive stances, leaving journalists scrambling to adjust.
In just two months, the administration has initiated a surge of actions including legal battles, a more aggressive stance by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), efforts to control the press corps, resulting in legal responses from media outlets, including the Associated Press, and other measures that have alarmed media advocates. Public data have vanished from websites, and the atmosphere of attacks has intensified.
“It’s very clear what’s happening. The Trump administration is on a campaign to do everything it can to diminish and obstruct journalism in the United States,” said Bill Grueskin, a journalism professor at Columbia University. This approach is distinct from 2017, when efforts to undermine the press were also evident, though not as assertive.
Supporters of President Trump argue a major shift is needed regarding how Americans receive news, challenging traditional media’s outreach and trustworthiness. Notably, the public’s dissatisfaction with journalists remains a challenging issue, affecting the industry for years. The relationship between presidential offices and the media has always been contentious, often characterized by conflicting goals of narrative control and investigative pursuit. Despite the current climate, Trump remains unusually accessible to reporters compared to other recent presidents, such as Joe Biden, who was less frequent in press interviews.
An indication that changes were underway occurred when the White House began inviting non-traditional and favorable media to press briefings, sometimes excluding traditional outlets like the Associated Press in disputes over protocol. This has sparked First Amendment debates and led to the administration asserting its right to decide press access rather than the media itself.
Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President George W. Bush, previously suggested adjustments to how media briefings should align with modern news consumption patterns, indicating the growing influence of diverse digital platforms over mainstay outlets such as The Washington Post or The New York Times. Some new media participants have managed to focus on conservative issues while steering away from confrontational “gotcha” journalism. Others have asked the administration seemingly biased or simplistic questions, indicating a shift in press briefing dynamics.
Although the White House Correspondents’ Association has voiced concerns regarding the treatment of traditional press outlets, their protests have had limited impact. For in-depth interactions, Trump and his administration often prefer engaging with media valued by his base, such as Fox News.
The White House has also launched a “Rapid Response 47” social media account to convey its perspectives and confront journalism it contests. The aim is to support presidential stances and challenge perceived inaccuracies within the media. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has actively engaged with journalists, reflecting a stark contrast with initial press confrontations under Trump’s first administration in 2017.
Additionally, the Department of Defense has adopted parallel tactics with its own “fake news” initiative, influencing the availability of information for journalists, particularly concerning military matters. Lawsuits have been actively pursued against media entities for producing content considered unfavorable to the administration, highlighting the administration’s combative approach.
Moreover, the Federal Communications Commission, under new leadership, signaled an activist agenda, launching investigations into prominent news networks for various alleged infractions, further evidencing the administration’s media strategy.
Despite these challenges, many newsrooms are committed to scrutinizing the administration’s policies and actions. Outlets such as “60 Minutes” and publications like the Atlantic have intensified their investigative reporting. Nonetheless, the industry confronts grim financial forecasts, with outlets facing potential income loss from scaled-back government subscriptions and heightened threats of libel lawsuits.
“They’re pulling at every thread they can find, no matter how tenuous, to try and undermine credible news organizations,” Grueskin said. As this orchestrated effort continues across various fronts, the impact on journalism is being felt only two months into the administration’s term.