The New York Times publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, expresses concern that former President Trump could employ authoritarian tactics to silence the media if elected again, drawing parallels to the strategies used by leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orbán.
The New York Times publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, has issued a stark warning that former President Donald Trump could adopt an authoritarian playbook to attack the press if he returns to the White House. In an opinion column published in rival paper The Washington Post, Sulzberger outlined a chilling trajectory that authoritarian leaders have followed to silence the media, providing an unsettling glimpse into what could potentially transpire should Trump regain power.
Sulzberger's article begins by detailing the playbook used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to effectively dismantle the news media in his country. After initially losing power, Orbán returned on a populist platform and blamed the coverage of his previous government for his election defeat. He then resolved to control the press, using bureaucratic tools such as tax law, broadcast licensing, and government contracting to punish critical outlets and reward friendly ones.
Trump's Authoritarian Playbook: Sulzberger Warns of Potential Press Attacks
Within a few years, Sulzberger argues, Orbán's relentless efforts left only pockets of independence in the Hungarian news media, allowing him to consolidate unchecked power. This successful weakening of the press made it easier for him to conceal secrets, manipulate reality, and evade accountability.
Sulzberger then turns his attention to Trump, noting his anti-press rhetoric and his admiration for Orbán. He highlights Trump's meeting with Orbán at Mar-a-Lago, where he praised the Hungarian leader as "a smart, strong, and compassionate leader." Sulzberger argues that this admiration suggests Trump could be inspired by Orbán's strategies to target the press.
Trump's Authoritarian Playbook: Sulzberger Warns of Potential Press Attacks
While emphasizing that The New York Times will not abandon its commitment to neutrality and will not endorse or oppose Trump's re-election, Sulzberger feels compelled to speak out against threats to the free press. He argues that Trump has been an exception among U.S. leaders in his aggressive and sustained efforts to undermine the press, a departure from the historical norm of protecting and expanding protections for journalists.
Sulzberger's warning is supported by Trump's previous actions, which have included labeling the media as the "enemy of the people" and encouraging harassment of journalists. Additionally, Trump has praised leaders such as Russia's Vladimir Putin, who have been known to silence critical voices and target journalists.
Trump's Authoritarian Playbook: Sulzberger Warns of Potential Press Attacks
The publisher also points to Trump's role in popularizing the term "fake news" as a way to dismiss and attack journalism that challenges him. This term has been adopted by would-be authoritarians worldwide, leading to the enactment of "fake news" laws in approximately 70 countries on six continents.
Sulzberger's column serves as a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of Trump's authoritarian tendencies. If elected again, he could use his power to silence critical voices and undermine the free press, creating a dangerous precedent for the future of American democracy.
