Press freedom and free speech continue to take a beating in the United States, as President Donald Trump and his acolytes seek to tamp down criticism.

When an Australian journalist asked about Trump family business conflicts, the president responded that the tough questions were hurting Australia “very much” because its government wants to stay on good terms with him. 

The Pentagon has advised reporters they must agree not to disclose sensitive information or they will not be given access to press briefings. 

After Charlie Kirk was killed and Jimmy Kimmel was suspended, Trump suggested the Federal Communications Commission should revoke the licenses of broadcasters that air negative coverage or criticism of him.

The president has sued both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal over coverage. A judge dismissed the Times suit, criticizing its overly long and florid statement of claim, but invited the president’s lawyers to submit a new complaint. 

Trump’s attacks on the press aren’t just an American story. They give populists here a model for discrediting fact-based journalism and promoting ideological “news” outlets instead.