The United States has seen a significant decline in press freedom, ranking alongside developing countries such as Gambia and Sierra Leone according to the latest World Press Freedom Index. For years, American press freedom was considered “satisfactory” by Reporters Without Borders, but it is now classified as “problematic”. The main driver of this decline is economic strain on the media industry.
Economic constraints are often used as a tool for governments in autocratic nations and unstable democracies to financially undermine critical outlets. This strategy has been employed by President Trump’s administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi’s resumption of seizing reporters’ phone records to identify leakers.
The US is experiencing a unique situation where the president is actively targeting traditional media companies while waging a historic trade war. Despite this, the goal remains unchanged: to undermine the press and limit its ability to hold those in power accountable.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/usa-press-freedom