In his first term, President Trump branded press reports as “fake news,” called journalists “scum” and “enemies of the people.” He crudely attacked reporters,...

In his first term, President Trump branded press reports as “fake news,” called journalists “scum” and “enemies of the people.” He crudely attacked reporters, especially women. Now, barely two years into his second term, President Trump’s long-running media clashes have escalated, grown into an all-out campaign seeking to stifle and control free speech in America. Just last Friday, Trump abruptly announced bans on three prominent media organizations, CNN, MSNow and Politico. By Saturday, journalists from those organizations were denied access to the White House grounds and forced to surrender their press badges. Asked to explain his action, Trump replied that the organizations were no longer allowed to participate “for constant reporting of fake news.” Trump indicated...

In his first term, President Trump branded press reports as “fake news,” called journalists “scum” and “enemies of the people.” He crudely attacked reporters, especially women. Now, barely two years into his second term, President Trump’s long-running media clashes have escalated, grown into an all-out campaign seeking to stifle and control free speech in America. Just last Friday, Trump abruptly announced bans on three prominent media organizations, CNN, MSNow and Politico. By Saturday, journalists from those organizations were denied access to the White House grounds and forced to surrender their press badges. Asked to explain his action, Trump replied that the organizations were no longer allowed to participate “for constant reporting of fake news.” Trump indicated...