It Has Never Been Scarier to Be a Journalist

I say this with the utmost urgency and sincerity: it has never been more dangerous to be a journalist in America. Tonight, I feel compelled to deliver an urgent message about the state of the First Amendment — the very cornerstone of our democracy.

Over the past week alone, we have seen the freedom of the press attacked on two equally destructive fronts: reckless misinformation allowed to spread unchecked, and political figures openly threatening those who dare to report truth. Both are corrosive. Both denigrate the First Amendment in real time. And both underscore why independent journalism has never been more necessary.

Before I go any further, I need you to hear this: I will not cave. Not to faceless trolls hiding behind anonymous accounts, not to the White House, not to anyone who thinks intimidation can silence me. Yes, people want me to stop. Yes, I’m told I could be the next one sued, arrested, or worse. But here’s the truth — I won’t stop. I can’t. Telling the truth is too important, and backing down is not an option. If you believe in this fight, stand with me. Subscribe today, and help me keep going.

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When Falsehoods Become News

Take the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk. In the immediate aftermath, mainstream outlets rushed to print stories that were not only wrong, but dangerously inflammatory.

The Wall Street Journal falsely suggested that bullet casings from the suspected shooter contained “transgender ideology.”

The Guardian ran with an unverified claim that the shooter was a “leftist,” based solely on an anonymous high school classmate.

Fox News reported, without nuance, that the suspect’s roommate was transgender — fueling a firestorm of conspiracy theories tying the motive to trans issues, despite no evidence supporting that narrative.

In each case, speculation was elevated to fact. The consequences are not abstract: these falsehoods stoked public division, misled millions, and gave political leaders ammunition for new attacks on dissent.

From Misinformation to Crackdowns

Just one week later, Donald Trump and JD Vance pledged a sweeping crackdown on so-called “left organizations” they claim are responsible for Kirk’s murder. No definitions, no clarity — just a threat that could be aimed at virtually anyone who disagrees with them.

At the same time, Trump filed a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times for defamation and libel, despite a lack of evidence. It is not just about one lawsuit. It is about weaponizing the courts to intimidate and silence journalists.

And then, there is the rhetoric. When asked about hate speech, Trump responded directly to ABC’s Jon Karl:

“We’ll probably go after people like you because you treat me so unfairly… Maybe they’ll have to go after you.”

Moments later, he shut down an Australian reporter with the words:

“In my opinion you are hurting Australia right now. Quiet.”

These are not offhand remarks. They are threats — targeted, deliberate, and chilling.

The First Amendment is not an abstract principle. It is a living guarantee that protects journalists so they can protect democracy. When mainstream outlets abandon fact-checking in favor of speed, they erode that guarantee from within. When political leaders target journalists, they attack it from without. Both are happening simultaneously — and the result is a media landscape that is less trustworthy, less safe, and more dangerous than ever.

This is why independent journalism is no longer optional — it is essential. The press must be free not just in law, but in practice. It must be courageous enough to reject narratives that divide, careful enough to verify before publishing, and fearless enough to speak truth even when power threatens retaliation.

Tonight, I ask you to recognize the moment we are in. The First Amendment is under siege, and its defense cannot wait. If we surrender the truth now, we surrender democracy itself.