Enemy of the People

1. Trump's War on the Press Threatens American Democracy

"The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!"

A dangerous accusation. This tweet from President Trump in February 2017 marked a significant escalation in his war against the press. By labeling the media as an "enemy of the American People," Trump echoed the rhetoric of 20th-century dictators like Stalin and Hitler, who used similar language to suppress dissent and consolidate power.

Undermining public trust. Trump's relentless attacks on the press have had a measurable impact on public opinion. Polls show that a growing number of Americans, particularly Republicans, view the media unfavorably and doubt its credibility. This erosion of trust in the press poses a serious threat to the functioning of American democracy, which relies on an informed citizenry and a free press to hold those in power accountable.

Constitutional concerns. Trump's hostility towards the press goes beyond rhetoric. His administration has taken actions that challenge First Amendment protections, including threats to change libel laws, attempts to revoke press credentials, and calls for increased government control over media content. These efforts represent a direct assault on the constitutional role of the press as a check on government power.

2. McCarthyism and Trumpism: Parallels in Demagoguery

"McCarthy was a demagogue, but what could I do? I had to report—and quote—McCarthy. How do I say in the middle of [my] story, 'This is a lie.' The press is supposed to be neutral."

Exploiting fear and division. Both Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s and Donald Trump in the present day used similar tactics to gain and maintain power. They exploited public fears (communism for McCarthy, immigration and terrorism for Trump), attacked the credibility of institutions, and used the media as both a platform and a punching bag.

Challenges for the press. Just as journalists struggled to cover McCarthy's baseless accusations without appearing biased, today's reporters face similar dilemmas in covering Trump's false statements and attacks on the media. The quote highlights the ongoing tension between objectivity and truth-telling in journalism.

Impact on public discourse. McCarthyism and Trumpism both had a chilling effect on public discourse, creating an atmosphere where dissent was equated with disloyalty. In both eras, this led to a polarization of society and a breakdown of democratic norms.

3. Edward R. Murrow: The Journalist Who Stood Up to McCarthy

"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law."

Courage in broadcasting. Edward R. Murrow's March 9, 1954 broadcast on CBS's "See It Now" was a turning point in the fight against McCarthyism. Murrow used McCarthy's own words and actions to expose his tactics and lies, demonstrating the power of journalism to challenge political demagoguery.

Defending democratic values. Murrow's statement eloquently defended the principles of free speech and due process, reminding viewers of the importance of these democratic values in the face of McCarthy's witch hunts. His broadcast showed how journalism could serve as a defender of democracy when other institutions faltered.

Legacy for modern journalists. Murrow's stand against McCarthy continues to inspire journalists today. His example underscores the importance of speaking truth to power and the potential impact of courageous, fact-based reporting in times of political crisis.

4. The Evolution of Media: From Murrow to the Digital Age

"We are lurching from print to the web at a startling speed, and, within ten years, there may no longer be a print edition even of the New York Times."

Technological disruption. The media landscape has undergone radical changes since the days of Murrow and Cronkite. The rise of cable news, the internet, and social media has transformed how news is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Economic challenges. Traditional media outlets, especially newspapers, face severe financial pressures in the digital age. The loss of advertising revenue and declining readership have led to budget cuts, bureau closures, and a reduction in investigative reporting.

Fragmentation of the audience. The proliferation of media options has led to a fragmented audience, with people increasingly consuming news that aligns with their existing beliefs. This echo chamber effect has contributed to political polarization and made it more difficult for any single journalist or outlet to have the unifying impact that Murrow had in his day.

5. Trump's Manipulation of the Media and Public Opinion

"He just hammers something into submission, whatever it may be.… With the media, he just wears it down, wears it down," until, Allen added, a reporter makes a mistake covering Trump, and the president leaps on the mistake and uses it as proof that none of the media can be trusted.

Flooding the zone. Trump's strategy of constant tweeting, provocative statements, and attacks on the media creates an overwhelming amount of content for journalists to cover. This flood of information makes it difficult for any single story to gain traction and allows Trump to control the narrative.

Exploiting mistakes. When journalists make errors in their reporting on Trump, he seizes on these mistakes to discredit the entire media. This tactic erodes public trust in journalism and makes it harder for factual reporting to break through to Trump supporters.

Creating alternative narratives. Trump's use of terms like "fake news" and "alternative facts" creates confusion about what is true and what isn't. This confusion benefits Trump by allowing him to construct his own version of reality for his supporters.

6. The Erosion of Truth in the Trump Era

"Trump gives every reason to believe that he is truly a congenital liar. Nothing from his lips can any longer be accepted as truthful."

Unprecedented dishonesty. The frequency and brazenness of Trump's false statements far exceed those of previous presidents. Fact-checkers have documented thousands of false or misleading claims made by Trump since taking office.

Normalization of lying. Trump's persistent dishonesty has led to a dangerous normalization of lying in politics. This erosion of truth threatens the foundation of democratic discourse, which relies on a shared set of facts.

Impact on governance. The constant stream of misinformation from the president makes it difficult for citizens to make informed decisions about policy issues and for other government officials to effectively carry out their duties.

7. The Press as the Fourth Estate: Guardian of Democracy

"If we dig deep into our own history and our doctrine and remember that we are not descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes which were for the moment unpopular."

Historical role. The press has long been considered the "Fourth Estate," serving as a check on government power alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This role is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy.

Watchdog function. Journalists play a vital role in exposing corruption, holding officials accountable, and informing the public about important issues. Examples like the Watergate investigation demonstrate the power of investigative journalism to shape history.

Defending unpopular causes. As Murrow's quote suggests, a free press must be willing to challenge popular opinion and defend unpopular causes when necessary. This courage is essential for preserving democratic values and protecting minority rights.

8. The Impact of Social Media on News and Politics

"For an additional $50,000, Anderson was then able to travel to dozens of American colleges and universities as well as secondary schools to tell students about his reporting from the Middle East. It was the Pulitzer Center's way of lighting fires under a new generation of students—to encourage them to learn about journalism and to care about people and places all over the world."

Democratization of information. Social media platforms have dramatically changed how news is shared and consumed. Anyone with a smartphone can now act as a citizen journalist, breaking news and sharing information instantly.

Challenges to traditional media. The rise of social media has disrupted traditional media business models and challenged the gatekeeping role of professional journalists. This has led to both opportunities for diverse voices and concerns about the spread of misinformation.

New models for journalism. As the quote suggests, organizations like the Pulitzer Center are finding innovative ways to support quality journalism and engage younger audiences in an era of declining traditional media resources.

9. Challenges Facing Modern Journalism in the Trump Era

"Covering Trump in the era of twenty-four-hour news cycles can be an exhausting business. Networks and newspapers have assigned additional reporters to the White House, and that's costly."

Resource constraints. The demands of covering the Trump administration have strained the resources of many news organizations, which are already facing financial pressures in the digital age.

Speed vs. accuracy. The pressure to break news quickly in the 24/7 news cycle can lead to errors, which Trump then exploits to discredit the media. Journalists must balance the need for speed with the imperative for accuracy.

Access and intimidation. Trump's hostility towards the press has made it more difficult for journalists to obtain information and access to administration officials. Some reporters have faced intimidation and threats, both from the administration and from Trump supporters.

10. The Importance of a Free Press in Preserving Democracy

"The only thing that counts is the right to know, to speak, to think," Murrow once told a friend, "that!—and the sanctity of the courts. Otherwise, it is not America."

Informing the citizenry. A free press is essential for providing citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions and participate effectively in democracy.

Holding power accountable. Journalists serve as watchdogs, exposing corruption and abuse of power. This role is crucial for maintaining the checks and balances necessary for a functioning democracy.

Protecting free speech. The press serves as a bulwark for free speech rights more broadly. Attacks on press freedom often presage broader attacks on civil liberties and democratic norms.

Last updated: February 21, 2025