Speaking at the Department of Justice, President Donald Trump launched an attack on the media, suggesting that CNN and MSNBC are acting as "political arms of the Democrat Party" and that their coverage of him is not just unfair, but outright "illegal."
Trump at the DOJ: "I believe that CNN and MSNDC, who literally write 97.6% bad about me, are political arms of the Democrat Party. And in my opinion, they are really corrupt and they are illegal. What they do is illegal." pic.twitter.com/kiVyZBWs3r
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 14, 2025
"I believe that CNN and MSDNC [sic], who literally write 97.6% bad about me, are political arms of the Democrat Party. And in my opinion, they are really corrupt and they are illegal. What they do is illegal," Trump declared.
The press doing... checks notes... their job is now supposedly 'illegal' in Trump's America
— Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) March 14, 2025
His comments caused immediate alarm, with critics pointing to the US constitution's First Amendment. "The First Amendment exists specifically to prevent this kind of authoritarian nonsense," read one reply.
The hypocrisy in condemning left-leaning news agencies without acknowledging bias at conservative outlets was highlighted, as well as picking and choosing what to call illegal. "At. The. Department. Of. Justice," someone emphasized.
Trump: Freedom of speech, but only when I agree with it.
— Real Canuck (@RealCanuck) March 14, 2025
Many drew historical comparisons, noting that authoritarian leaders throughout history have sought to suppress unfavorable reporting. One quoted a section of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf condemning the press as an obstacle to "cultural elevation, and the economic independence of the nation." Another cited the Reich Press Law that mandated the press always align with Nazi ideology.
"Attacking the free press isn't strength – it's what weak leaders do when they fear accountability," a comment accused.
Trump's hostility toward the media has been a defining feature of his presidency, but his escalating rhetoric has many concerned that he may pursue further restrictions on press freedoms.
They keep using that word, "illegal." I don't think it means what they think it means.
— Mike Fehlauer Hayes (@mikefehlauer) March 14, 2025
News organizations reporting the news? And editorials? Not illegal.
Consumers boycotting a company? Not illegal.
Peacefully protesting? Not illegal.
"I don't like it" does not = "illegal."
In recent weeks, Trump's administration has barred AP News from the press room for refusing to call the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America," canceled contracts with Reuters, AP News and Agence France Press at the federal news agency, Voice of America, and jailed Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Kahlil for past involvement in protests against Israeli attacks on Palestine.
While CNN and MSNBC have not yet responded, Trump's latest remarks add to growing concerns about the administration's disregard for free speech.
— Mackenzie Mays (@MackenzieMays) April 9, 2019
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