Chilling Statement

Data Tracked For This Category

Select public threats made to reporters and media organizations by U.S. politicians and other public figures, which can have a chilling effect on journalism.

Recent Incidents

Trump, his administration move to punish outlets during second term
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

May 1, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Media, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, National Public Radio, PBS News, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio y Televisión Martí, Voice of America
- #Donald Trump
Pam Bondi targets journalists, leakers as U.S. attorney general
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

April 25, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Media
- #Donald Trump
Tulsi Gabbard targets press, leakers as national intelligence director
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

April 23, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

HuffPost, Media, NBC News, The Record, The Washington Post
- #Donald Trump
Brendan Carr targets news outlets as chair of the FCC
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

April 16, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

ABC News, CBS News, KCBS, MSNBC, National Public Radio, NBC News, PBS News
GOP senator implies violence would reduce ‘fake news’
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

April 5, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Media
Rep. Ronny Jackson targets press as member of Congress
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

March 27, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

National Public Radio, PBS News
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene targets press as DOGE subcommittee chair
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

March 26, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

National Public Radio, PBS News
Pete Hegseth targets news outlets, leakers as defense secretary
1. Chilling Statement
Date of Incident

March 21, 2025

Location

Washington, District of Columbia

Targets

Media, The New York Times
- #Donald Trump