In his first post-election press conference, President-elect Donald Trump pledged to “straighten out” what he called the “corrupt” U.S. press. Even before taking office, Trump has taken steps to shape the media landscape in his favor, appointing loyalists to publicly funded outlets and filing lawsuits against newspapers and pollsters. Observers warn these actions could signal an escalation of intimidation and censorship tactics.
Recently, Trump sued pollster Ann Selzer, the Des Moines Register, and its parent company, Gannett, over a pre-election poll that incorrectly showed him trailing in Iowa. This lawsuit followed ABC’s $15 million settlement, plus legal fees, over defamation claims stemming from a reporter’s inaccurate statement that Trump had been found liable for “rape,” when the case involved sexual abuse instead. Legal experts noted ABC might have prevailed in court but opted to settle, raising concerns among staff that the decision could embolden Trump and set a troubling precedent.
Trump has also filed lawsuits against prominent journalist Bob Woodward, claiming unauthorized publication of taped interviews, and against CBS, alleging biased editing of an interview with his political rival, Kamala Harris. Trump labeled CBS’s actions “a brazen attempt to interfere in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.” Free speech expert Charles Tobin criticized the CBS lawsuit as “dangerous and frivolous.”
Impact on Press Freedom
Even unsuccessful lawsuits can intimidate news outlets. Melissa Camacho, a communications professor at San Francisco State University, warns that such actions may lead to self-censorship. Rutgers University professor Khadijah Costley White added that these legal battles could pressure media outlets to cover Trump more favorably, especially if he secures settlements or concessions like ABC’s.
Trump has procedural tools at his disposal as well. During his first term, the administration went over 300 days without an official press briefing. Sean Spicer, Trump’s former press secretary, recently suggested the White House could scrap reserved seating for mainstream outlets, potentially sidelining organizations like NBC, CBS, CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post—widely regarded as reputable but often criticized by Trump for perceived liberal bias.
Ironically, Trump himself, who enjoys engaging with journalists, may grant more interviews than his predecessor, Joe Biden, who largely avoided national media.
Changes to International Media
Trump’s influence may also extend globally. He has appointed Kari Lake, a staunch loyalist and election denier, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA), a U.S.-funded but traditionally independent outlet broadcasting news in multiple languages worldwide. Lake’s appointment follows previous efforts to strip VOA of protections against political interference, raising concerns over its future impartiality. Trump stated that Lake would ensure American values are broadcast “fairly and accurately,” in contrast to what he described as “lies” from the mainstream media.
These developments highlight Trump’s continued battle with the press and raise questions about the future of press freedom and independent journalism in the United States.
