US Falls to Lowest-Ever Rank on Press Freedom Index as Trump Pours 'Gasoline on the Fire'

"Reporters Without Borders warned Thursday that the United States is facing a 'press freedom crisis' as President Donald Trump and his subordinates wage an aggressive assault on the media that has included threats of treason charges and imprisonment against journalists."

"The Trump administration’s active disdain for press freedom has pushed the US to its lowest-ever rank on Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, which ranks countries based on numerous indicators including legal protections for journalists, reporter safety, and overall political hostility toward the press. The US landed at 64th out of 180 countries on the latest version of the index, falling seven spots compared to last year."

“ 'The US has experienced a steady decline in the RSF Index over the past decade, but President Trump is pouring gasoline on the fire,' said Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF’s North America section. 'Trump and his administration have carried out a coordinated war on press freedom since the day he took office, and we will live with the consequences for years to come.' "

“ 'The index shows that this decline is measurable and ongoing, but preventable,' Weimers added. 'Our message is clear: Protect legal rights, ensure accountability for attacks on media professionals, and support independent media to restore American press freedom.' "

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https://www.commondreams.org/news/us-press-freedom-index