Press freedom globally experiences a significant decline, with the United States exhibiting a worrying deterioration under Trump's administration, claims Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Loosened Reins on the Press: A Global Perspective
In a jarring blow to the world of journalism, the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index paints a dismal picture, with an unprecedented drop in global press freedom. The gloomy scenario sees the average score sliding to a distressing 54.7 out of 100 across 180 countries, a first for the "difficult situation" classification globally[5].
This alarming decline, RSF reports, is especially evident in the United States under President Donald Trump, causing an alarming deterioration in press freedom, a clear sign of an authoritarian shift[3]. The country plummets a total of 13 places, landing in 57th position[3].
While specific previous ranks during Trump’s tenure are unspecified, the report underscores a worsening environment for journalists, marked by heightened hostility and financial pressures destabilizing media independence[1][3][5]. The economic indicator for press freedom reached a record low globally (44.1), a reflection of challenges such as ownership concentration and advertiser pressure, which are heavily affecting U.S. media[2][5].
RSF's annual review of media freedom worldwide indicates that for the first time in history, the conditions for practicing journalism are poor in half the world's countries, while satisfactory conditions can be found in only one in four[4]. The Paris-based organization, which has been monitoring press freedom for the last 23 years, emphasizes the impact of economic pressures undermining fact-based reporting, with many independent outlets forced to shut down due to funding difficulties[4].
Although spending on online advertising is on an upward trend, reaching $247.3 billion in 2024[4], the growing share is being captured by online giants like Facebook, Google, or Amazon instead of traditional media companies[4]. "When journalists are impoverished, they no longer have the means to resist the enemies of the press – those who champion disinformation and propaganda," Anne Bocande, RSF's editorial director, stated[4].
The United States joins the ranks of countries grappling with significant declines in press freedom over the past year, including Argentina, under right-wing Trump ally Javier Milei (dropping a staggering 21 places to 87th) and Tunisia (sliding 11 spots to 129th)[3]. RSF also underscores the ongoing struggle of Palestinian journalists attempting to report on Israel's devastating bombardment of Gaza, highlighting Israel's continued repression of its own media, which has dropped 11 places to 112th[3].
On the home front, Donald Trump's administration continues to pose challenges, as seen in Trump's latest attacks on media outlets such as The New York Times and CBS, with threats of legal action and lawsuits over perceived editorial manipulation[3]. In light of these threats, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issues a call to action for newsrooms to unite amid the escalating tide of threats against them[3]. The U.S. finds itself increasingly becoming a "news desert," RSF cautions[3].
These developments should serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing importance of protecting and safeguarding the freedom of the press, a cornerstone of democratic societies. By standing up for journalists around the world and promoting balanced, fact-based reporting, we can preserve the foundation upon which democratic governance thrives.
- In the realm of arts and journalism, the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index reveals a worrying decline, with an unprecedented drop in global press freedom.
- The United States, under President Donald Trump, experienced a significant deterioration in press freedom, affecting journalism's independence, a clear sign of an authoritarian shift.
- The economic conditions for press freedom reached a record low globally, with economic pressures undermining fact-based reporting, forcing many independent outlets to shut down due to funding difficulties.
- The ongoing struggle for Palestinian journalists attempting to report on Israel's devastating bombardment of Gaza is underscored, highlighting Israel's continued repression of its own media.
- In light of these challenges and threats against journalists, it's crucial to safeguard the freedom of the press, a cornerstone of democratic societies, promoting balanced, fact-based reporting as a means to preserve democratic governance.
