BREAKING: Donald Trump Calls Media Companies "Illegal" Highlighting First Amendment Threats

Donald Trump has once again escalated his attacks on the media, this time by declaring MSNBC and CNN "illegal" while speaking at the Justice Department. This latest outburst is not just political posturing—it is a direct assault on the fundamental principles of a free press and democracy itself.

The Trump Administration has increased its threats against the free press, and as an independent journalist, I will always stand against these threats and hold political leaders accountable, even if it means pushing back against this dictatorial rhetoric.

If you want to support my work and help me continue it in the face of threats, become a paid subscriber today:

Trump’s hostility toward the media is nothing new. Throughout his political career, he has branded the press as the "enemy of the people," attempted to discredit investigative journalism, and even suggested curbing First Amendment protections. His recent statement declaring two major news networks “illegal” goes even further, hinting at an intent to criminalize dissenting voices.

This kind of rhetoric is a hallmark of authoritarianism. In nations where press freedoms have been eroded, leaders often begin by delegitimizing the media before moving to restrict or silence it altogether. By framing media organizations as unlawful, Trump is laying the groundwork for justifying government action against them.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly protects freedom of the press, ensuring that journalists can operate independently without government interference. By suggesting that CNN and MSNBC should be considered illegal, Trump is attacking one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in American democracy.

Should this rhetoric gain traction among his supporters or within government institutions, it could have dangerous consequences. Trump’s words set the stage for potential future policies that restrict press freedom, whether through legal means like defamation lawsuits, regulatory crackdowns, or informal pressure campaigns that dissuade journalists from holding those in power accountable.

The media’s role in a democracy is to hold power to account, inform the public, and provide a platform for diverse perspectives. Efforts to delegitimize and criminalize journalism undermine these principles, weakening the very foundation of democratic governance.

It is crucial that Americans across the political spectrum push back against these dangerous claims. Press organizations, legal advocates, and everyday citizens must continue to demand accountability and defend the right to a free and independent press. Silence in the face of these attacks only empowers those who seek to dismantle democratic norms.

Trump’s statement may be the latest in a long line of attacks on the media, but it should not be ignored as mere rhetoric. It is a warning sign of deeper authoritarian ambitions—ambitions that must be resisted to safeguard the future of American democracy.