Having already framed mainstream and investigative journalism as “fake news” or “enemy of the people,” the administration advances from rhetorical attacks to concrete legal strategies. These include defamation lawsuits, FCC complaints, tax audits, and national security investigations targeting reporters, editors, and outlets seen as critical of the regime.
Rather than banning the press outright, this model seeks to intimidate independent journalism into silence or self-censorship while elevating state-aligned or compliant media. Lawsuits need not succeed to be effective — the cost of defending against endless litigation, regulatory reviews, or targeted audits can cripple smaller outlets and discourage whistleblowers.
Historically, regimes in Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela have deployed similar pressure campaigns, using courts and regulatory agencies to neutralize critical press without formally outlawing it. In these cases, surviving outlets are bought out, bullied into compliance, or forced into exile.
What to Watch For
- High-profile defamation or “national security” lawsuits against media organizations
- DOJ investigations into reporters’ sources framed as security threats
- Threats to revoke broadcast licenses or press credentials
- IRS or financial investigations into nonprofit journalism entities
- Congressional efforts to weaken Section 230 or limit media protections
- Increase in mergers or acquisitions of independent outlets by regime-aligned owners