Analysts warn of dark times for journalists under Trump Presidency
David Cay Johnston speaks with ‘UpFront’:
- Says the election marks the rise of “fear and authoritarianism”
Naomi Wolf warns ‘UpFront” viewers:
- Trump could “hold any American without charge, or without trial”
(Washington, D.C. –11th November) - In an interview with Al Jazeera English’s current affairs show ‘UpFront’, investigative journalist and author of The Making of Donald Trump David Cay Johnston says he could be “swept off the streets…and held incommunicado” during a Trump administration.
“What you’re seeing in this election is not the home of the free and the brave, but the rise of fear and authoritarianism.”
Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, has known Trump for decades and his journalistic account of Trump’s rise from businessperson to candidate is a best seller.
Johnston’s concern was echoed by Naomi Wolf, a journalist, author, activist and former political advisor to Al Gore. Wolf says Trump made no secret of his antagonism toward journalists throughout his campaign.
“We have something called clause 1021 in a bill that was passed in 2012 that allows this man to hold any American without charge or without trial. That was a theoretical concern when I was screaming about it in 2012. It is a real fear for me right now,” Wolf said.
Trump has called for an opening up of libel laws in the United States, which could make it easier to sue journalists who write negative about an individual. He also maintained a blacklist of media outlets during his campaign.
Note to Editors
- This ‘UpFront’ Trump Presidency Special airs Friday November 11th at 19:30GMT.
- The full show will be available through this link: www.aljazeera.com/upfront from 19:30GMT onwards.
- If using quotes please credit Al Jazeera English and ‘UpFront’ and please add this link to online copywww.aljazeera.com/upfront
- Follow ‘UpFront’ on Twitter@AJUpFront
