During President Trump’s tenure, the United States has plummeted five places in RSF’s World Press Freedom Index. Today, the US ranks 48 out of 180 countries, now residing between Romania and Senegal.
The US is now categorized as a “problematic” place for journalists to work and the President’s rhetoric has contributed to this clear increase in hostility and violence against journalists. This is an unprecedented development in a country which enshrines the right to a free press within the First Amendment to its Constitution.
We believe that the next president of the United States should restore respect for our democracy’s fourth estate and should take immediate steps to reverse the troubling trend of anti-journalist sentiment both at home and abroad.
This is why we are encouraging the 2020 presidential candidates to include the issue of press freedom on their agendas.By urging presidential candidates to affirm their commitment to the First Amendment in public campaigns, our team is working hard to ensure the safety of journalists and public confidence in the news media in 2020. We need to know that our future leaders are committed to restoring Americans’ faith in an independent and pluralistic news media.
Join our efforts by making a donation to RSF USA today and don’t forget to tune in to tonight’s debate!