Constant Attacks On The Press And The Media Have Fractured The American Public
The 4th Estate, or better known as the press (or the media), is a crucial component of The United States. The First Amendment guarantees the public's right to having a free and open press, and American history has thanked our nation's founders for that right. Without the 4th Estate, the American public never would have learned about Nixon and the Watergate scandal, the truth about Vietnam may have never come to light, and political discussion and debate would be drastically limited.
The press acts as the American public's best source for information regarding their government's and politician's actions and beliefs. The press is one of the pivotal components of a system that ensures a free and open debate of opinion, ideology, and belief exists in society.
Coverage regarding President Trump has been critical and relatively negative. Trump has responded by lashing out at media outlets and individuals. Most of his responses can easily be categorized as childish, irresponsible, and unprofessional. However, it is important to take his actions into greater consideration and context. Trump's reaction to criticism and negative press coverage is to challenge the existence of the free press and the 4th Estate.
Trump so far has attacked ABC, NBC, CBS, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and individuals across all of the organizations. His attacks question the credibility of the organizations on a fundamental level. He posits that his twitter account is a better source of news than the free press.
Notably, many of Trump's attacks on the press and media seemingly leave out organizations such as Fox News and Breitbart. Trump's arguments concerning the manner suggest that Trump would be in support of state-sponsored media, effectively arguing for a pro-Trump and pro-government echo chamber.
The President's actions put at risk one of the most important aspects of American society. Trump would rather see the American people drown in nothing but positive coverage and propaganda surrounding him and his agenda. This is no different than the coverage dictators receive from their state media outlets. Trump wishes for the American people and the press to treat him as our king, not just another politician serving an important role in the functioning of our government and society.