Donald Trump’s latest attack on the press has ignited fierce criticism. In a speech at the Justice Department on Friday, the former president went on a rampage against CNN and MSNBC, declaring that their negative coverage of him is “illegal.” His inflammatory comments have sparked outrage, with many accusing him of trying to silence the media.
Trump singled out CNN and MSNBC, calling the latter “MSNDC,” and accused both of unfairly attacking him. “They literally write 97.6% bad about me,” he said, adding that these outlets are “political arms of the Democrat Party.” But it was his claim that their criticism was “illegal” that really set off a storm of reactions.
“In my opinion, they’re really corrupt and they’re illegal, what they do is illegal,” Trump declared. He went on to argue that media organizations that report negatively about him are “really no different than a highly paid political operative,” adding that such behavior must be stopped. “It has to stop, it has to be illegal,” he insisted. “It’s influencing judges and it’s really, eh, changing law, and it just cannot be legal.”
Trump also suggested that news outlets like CNN and MSNBC operate in “total coordination with each other” to attack him, painting a picture of a media conspiracy working against him.
The remarks have drawn a massive backlash from journalists, commentators, and even some of his supporters. Many took to social media to condemn Trump’s attempts to silence critical media outlets. Journalist Aaron Rupar labeled Trump’s comments as “full fascist,” while others pointed out that “illegal” doesn’t simply mean “hurts my feelings.”
Marlow Stern tweeted, “Sounds like Putin,” drawing a comparison to the Russian president’s crackdown on independent journalism. Cenk Uygur couldn’t contain his frustration, writing, “Come on, that’s embarrassing. Why are you even worried about them, bro? You’re the president! But Mr. Free Speech Absolutist is now saying we should make it illegal to hurt his feelings.”
Trump’s remarks at the DOJ are part of a larger pattern of attacks on First Amendment rights. His administration has increasingly targeted media outlets that aren’t aligned with him, including recent efforts to block The Associated Press and HuffPost from covering the White House.
While the former president rails against media criticism, the U.S. Constitution continues to guarantee the freedom of the press, a right that no leader, no matter how powerful, can legally take away. Trump’s speech, which many have labeled an assault on free speech, has only fueled the growing calls for accountability and greater protections for journalists.
Check out the clip of Trump’s controversial remarks and the ongoing reactions below.
In a highly unusual speech before the Department of Justice, Donald Trump called CNN and MSNBC "illegal."
This is what fascism looks like.
— Silvano (@Silvano29360) March 14, 2025
Protesting is illegal…
Boycotting Tesla is illegal…And now CNN and MSNBC is also illegal according to Trump.
This oversized orange trash bag needs to be impeached immediately.
— Amanda (@thetwistedhook.bsky.social) March 14, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Sounds like somebody's diaper is full.
— galileocopernicus.bsky.social (@galileocopernicus.bsky.social) March 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Good thing they already bent the knee to fascism. Really worked out well for them. 👍
— TelevisedAnarchy (@televisedanarchy.bsky.social) March 14, 2025 at 3:13 PM
