Trump's Threats to the Media Demand a Response

I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge you to strongly condemn former President Donald Trump’s recent statements advocating for revoking the broadcast licenses of major news networks, such as ABC and NBC, and to reaffirm your support for the American value of freedom of the press. On August 25, 2025, President Trump publicly called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revoke or penalize broadcast licenses of networks he labeled as “fake news.” These threats directly conflict with First Amendment protections, and attempts to use government power to silence the press are unconstitutional and dangerous to democracy. This escalation is part of a broader pattern of hostility toward independent journalism, including efforts to strip NPR and PBS of federal funding, restricting press access, and fostering a climate of intimidation. These actions are not only un-American but also corrosive to the principles of transparency and accountability. Why this matters to our democracy A free and independent press holds power accountable and ensures the public has access to truthful information. Using government power to punish media outlets for critical reporting undermines constitutional protections. Silence from elected officials in the face of such threats only accelerates the erosion of democratic norms. What I ask of you 1. Publicly affirm your support for the First Amendment, making clear that press freedoms cannot be subject to political retaliation. 2. Oppose any legislative or regulatory attempts to punish or control media organizations based on their reporting. 3. Defend independent public media outlets like NPR and PBS against political interference. 4. Hold federal agencies such as the FCC accountable to uphold constitutional obligations and resist unlawful pressure. As your constituent, I encourage you to take a visible stand for free speech and a free press. Defending these rights now—when they are most under threat—is essential to protecting democracy for all Americans. Thank you for your attention and your leadership.