Roger Passman-Fischel 
President Trump’s recent attacks on the media show his ignorance, thin skin, and cowardice
The Trump Attacks on the Free Press: A Frightful Introduction
The Trump Attacks on the free press are the stuff of this post. When President Donald Trump criticized media outlets during a recent interview with tech mogul Elon Musk and Fox News host Sean Hannity, his words were not just attacks—they were a cowardly display of a man unable to cope with the consequences of his actions.
His comments, which he framed as an appeal to “truth,” are more accurately seen as a desperate, feeble attempt to control the narrative. Such is the behavior of dictator wannabes. They cannot abide the free press which is a critical part of the foundation of our democratic republic.
In his interview, Trump raged against news organizations he perceives as too critical of him, labeling MSNBC as “THE ENEMY” while accusing other outlets, including CNN, of spreading “conspiracy theories” and harboring bias aimed directly at him. If the shoe fits…
His remarks are dangerous for three reasons. First, they undermine the credibility of the press, which plays an essential role in holding politicians accountable. Second, they highlight Trump’s inability to accept the consequences of his decisions, especially when they are criticized by journalists or public figures who don’t share his worldview. Finally, it is contrary to the Constitution which he swore an oath to preserve and protect. This all raises the question, does he truly understand the role played by American Presidents, or does he think his role is more like a German Chancellor in the 1930s?
Trump’s refusal to take responsibility for his missteps—whether it’s his disastrous handling of the pandemic or his inability to unite the country—leads him to lash out. As president, he should have been accountable to the American people, a duty that includes respecting the press, even when its criticism stings. Instead, he’s chosen to scapegoat journalists and news outlets in a bid to deflect from his failures. He is the master of redirection, denial, and invective.
The Trump Attacks on the Free Press: The Thin Skin of a Coward
Donald Trump’s insecurity is evident in his frequent attacks on the media. He can’t handle the fact that news outlets—whether right-leaning or left—are unwilling to bow to his will. Trump’s response to such scrutiny is childish. He fashions his responses much like a spoiled kid grabbing his ball and going home to end a playground game early.
He calls out reporters for being “arrogant” or “horrible,” even though they are merely doing their job quite well. In truth, Trump is acting like a petulant child who refuses to accept the simple truth that not everyone will always agree with him.
He has openly admitted his approach to media is driven by ego, declaring that he watches his perceived enemies “on occasion.” But this is far more than just a temper tantrum; it’s a full-fledged war on free speech. If he can demonize the press and successfully discredit its reporting, he can pave the way for his version of reality to dominate.
This is not just about fighting a few negative headlines—Trump’s ultimate goal is to manipulate how the public perceives information itself. The saving grace, however, goes to the American people who see right through these outbursts. We recognize the Emperor’s new clothes on this tormented human being. That’s right, there is nothing there.
The Irony of The Trump Attacks on the Free Press
Trump’s hypocrisy is glaring. The same man who constantly promotes “alternative facts” and champions misinformation about key issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and election results is now accusing the press of lying.
His treatment of media outlets like CBS, which he claims edited an interview with Kamala Harris to make her look more intelligent, is just another example of his double standard. Trump continuously pushes the boundaries of truth with his narrative but claims moral superiority when media organizations challenge him.
His accusation that CBS “changed an answer in Kamala” is ironic at best. If anyone is notorious for misrepresentation and spreading lies, it’s Trump himself. From the “birther” conspiracy theory about former President Obama to his claim that the 2020 election was “rigged,” Trump’s penchant for distortion is well documented. Yet, he has the gall to accuse journalists of editing facts for their benefit, despite the evidence of his factual missteps.
This bears repeating: You can fool some people all of the time, and some people some of the time, but you cannot fool all people ALL OF THE TIME. Or Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, shame on me.
The Trump Attacks on the Free Press continue unabated. It is part of his character that requires that no person alive may critique his actions while he cannot take responsibility for those very acts, right or wrong.
The Trump Attacks on the Free Press: Laying Waste the First Amendment
In his attempts to stifle media criticism, Trump is putting himself on dangerous ground. The U.S. Constitution, which Trump claims to defend, clearly enshrines freedom of speech and the press in the First Amendment. By attempting to attack news outlets, or even strip them of broadcasting rights, Trump’s actions fly in the face of this fundamental right.
His recent threats to use the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to punish NBC and ABC for their coverage should be seen as a serious red flag. These actions not only undermine democratic values but also set a dangerous precedent for future political leaders to follow. Remember, PRAVDA, the state news outlet in the USSR? What the President seems to want is a single American Press named TRUTH but publishes only lies controlled by the Chief Executive.
The Absence of Accountability
One of the most frustrating aspects of Trump’s media bashing is his refusal to take full responsibility for the consequences of his actions. Whether it’s his reckless handling of the pandemic, his divisive rhetoric, or his failure to address the needs of the American people.
Trump always has a scapegoat. This time, the media is the target. His thin skin has made him incapable of recognizing the role the press plays in keeping a check on power. Instead, he sees criticism as an affront to his ego, further emboldening his toxic behavior. A clear indication of malignant narcissism we are told.
Throughout his presidency, Trump regularly contradicted the media’s narrative to avoid accountability. When faced with tough questions or hard-hitting reporting, his typical response was to deflect, deny, or attack. Is there reason to believe that in his second term, he would be any different? Elections matter, single-issue voting (say immigration reform) is generally is nearsighted so the consequences of some candidate slipping through instituting policies that are contrary to campaign promises.
His recent legal battle with CBS over an interview with Kamala Harris is just the latest chapter in his crusade to silence those who question his leadership. He’s not interested in honest critique; he’s interested in reshaping reality to fit his narrative and to enrich himself and the rest of the American Oligarchs.
The Real Danger of The Trump Attacks on the Free Press
Trump’s war on the press is not just about hurting the reputations of journalists—it’s about undermining the very foundation of American democracy. When a sitting president labels the press as “the enemy,” it sends a dangerous message to the public. I remember the hue and cry that arose when President Nixon was shown by the press to have an enemies list. Now, Trump relies on the tenor of the Nation where historical memory is all but lost.
The media, as the Fourth Estate, serves as a critical counterbalance to the power of the government. Without an independent press, citizens lose their ability to hold leaders accountable. Trump’s insistence on labeling media outlets as dishonest actors and conspiracy theorists only weakens this pillar of democracy.
Trump’s disdain for the media has little to do with actual factual inaccuracies. His real issue lies in any form of criticism, even when it’s based on truth. For a man caught in countless lies and failed policies, the media’s scrutiny is something he simply cannot tolerate.
Yet, as a leader of the free world, he should have expected such scrutiny as part of the job. Instead of confronting his mistakes and failures head-on, Trump chose to lash out, showing the world just how unfit he was to lead.
While in undergraduate school, I had a friend who was an addicted gambler. He bet mostly on horse racing. One day, he dragged me to Hawthorne Park near Chicago to have a day at the races. While I was betting a mere $2.00 on the favorite to show, He was betting $10.00 on random horses to win. By the 9th race I won around $35.00, while he was down $80..00. In the 9th race he bet his last $10 on the favorite to win. It won. Mike smiled, as he collected his winnings of $20.00 claiming that he was a winner for the whole day.
I tell this story because it introduced me to a chronic liar, one who tells him or herself stories that help reduce the pain of one’s actions to justify one’s existence as a successful person. While Mike was telling lies to himself, he was also presenting himself as a complete success at whatever else he was doing. The point is, of course, I am comparing Mike’s small lies to the escalating prevarications of President Trump.
Trump Attacks on the Free Press: Concluding Remarks
Trump’s attacks on the free press are a cowardly attempt to silence any form of criticism. His inability to accept responsibility for his own actions, his thin skin, and his self-absorbed need to control the narrative have led him down a dangerous path.
Instead of focusing on the issues that matter, like improving the lives of the American people, Trump has made it clear that he cares more about defending his ego. His war on the press is not just an attack on journalists—it’s an attack on democracy itself. We cannot allow such behavior to go unchecked, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that the free press remains a pillar of American society. Now is the time to resist.
Sources Cited
Gonzales, L. (2025, February 18). Trump’s media war and the risks to democracy. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
Smith, J. (2025, February 16). The political consequences of undermining free speech. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com
Suggestions for Further Reading
The Assault on Democracy: Trump’s War on the Press
An in-depth exploration of Trump’s treatment of the media and its implications for American democracy.
The Press and the Presidency: A Dangerous Relationship
A historical perspective on the tension between presidents and the media.
How Fake News Became a Political Weapon
Analyzing the rise of misinformation and its impact on modern politics.
The Fragility of Democracy: Protecting Free Speech in the 21st Century
A call to action for defending free speech in the age of authoritarianism.
Trump: A Case Study in Ego and Leadership Failure
A critical look at Trump’s leadership style and its disastrous consequences.
The First Amendment Under Fire: The Media’s Role in the 21st Century
Examines how modern presidents are challenging free speech protections.
The Constitution in Crisis: How Trump’s Attacks on the Media Endanger Democracy
A legal analysis of Trump’s challenges to the First Amendment.
Misinformation, Manipulation, and Media: The State of Journalism Today
Explores the evolution of media and the rise of fake news.
The Role of the Fourth Estate in the Age of Trump
A detailed examination of the press’s role in holding power accountable under Trump.
Unmasking the Lies: How Trump Used Media to Control the Narrative
An exploration of Trump’s use of media to distract from his failures.
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Disclaimer: All images on this page and throughout the blog are AI-generated and serve solely to illustrate the arguments presented in each post. These images do not depict real people or events but are intended to enhance the discussion. No offense is intended, nor do we aim to single out any individuals through the use of these images.
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