There is a point when criticism becomes corrosive, when disagreement turns into something more dangerous. That point has long since passed with the continued attacks by Donald Trump on the American press.
No one argues that journalists should be above criticism. In a free country, the media should be questioned, challenged, and even criticized when they get things wrong. Accountability makes journalism better. But what we are seeing now goes far beyond criticism. It is a sustained effort to undermine public trust in the institutions that help hold power accountable.
The United States has long held the principle of a free press as sacred. The founders of this nation enshrined it in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, recognizing that democracy cannot survive without an independent press willing to ask tough questions. A government that seeks to weaken or intimidate the press threatens that foundation.
When the leader of a nation repeatedly labels journalists as enemies or targets specific outlets for ridicule, the damage is real. Words from powerful figures carry weight. They shape public perception and, in some cases, embolden hostility toward reporters simply doing their jobs.
History teaches us that strong democracies rely on strong institutions. The press is one of them. Whether the coverage is favorable or not should never determine its legitimacy.
Disagree with a story. Challenge a report. Offer another perspective. Those are healthy responses in a democracy. But attempting to discredit the very concept of a free press is not.
America deserves better than a constant war with the media. The public deserves facts, transparency, and accountability. And the press-imperfect as it may be-remains one of the most important safeguards we have. Enough really should be enough.