Journalists’ body warns Trump’s crackdown threatens press freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international press-freedom organization based in New York, has cautioned that the Trump administration's media restrictions are encouraging authoritarian governments worldwide to crack down on independent reporting. José Zamora, CPJ's Americas director, stated to SABC News as South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday that these restrictions have made independent journalism more perilous and expensive.

Zamora emphasized that the ramifications extend beyond newsrooms, weakening the public's ability to uncover abuses and hold those in power accountable. The relationship between President Trump and the press has been tumultuous. In September, following the White House's attempt to bar certain U.S. media from its premises, Zamora recounted an Oval Office exchange where Trump expressed disdain for dishonest press, claiming, "I dislike dishonest press, like you.

I think you’re terrible but I dislike dishonest, I like to see honest press." The CPJ has also sounded the alarm on the potential for democratic regression in the United States, noting that the country's actions serve as a global warning. Zamora asserted that the U.S., once a strong protector of democracy, is now contributing to a trend of authoritarianism and abuse.

Actions taken by the Trump administration against the press include cutting funding for public broadcasting, barring media houses from the White House due to editorial decisions or negative coverage, restricting reporters from accessing information not authorized for release, and using regulatory power against broadcasters over editorial choices.

Courts have intervened in some cases to reinstate White House access, deeming the exclusion likely unconstitutional, but these rulings are subject to ongoing litigation. The Trump administration justifies its decisions as budget cuts, an attempt to address perceived political bias, and a safeguard for national security. However, Zamora believes several of these actions violate law, citing a new ranking by the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, which places the U.S. at 64th out of 180 countries, its lowest score ever.