The United States has fallen to a “historic low” in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) annual press freedom index, continuing a decade-long decline, the organization said. The report, released on Thursday, recorded a global drop in press freedom indicators in 2025, with more than half of the world's countries now labeled as “difficult” or “very serious” for the first time.

While the US remained in the “problematic” category, it dropped seven places from 57th to 64th globally. Norway topped the list, while Eritrea ranked last among 180 countries.

Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF's North America office, said the US is experiencing a “press freedom crisis.” He accused the Trump administration of waging a “coordinated war on press freedom” since taking office.

The report criticized both Trump administration policies and the consolidation of media companies in the US. Notably, Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global (CBS News) and Paramount Skydance's ongoing purchase of Warner Bros (CNN) were highlighted.

Currently, just six companies control most US media: Comcast, Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Sony, and Amazon.

Press freedom observers say FCC chair Brendan Carr has escalated pressure on journalists. In March, Carr threatened to revoke licenses of broadcasters that “run hoaxes and news distortions.” He also targeted TV talk show hosts over jokes.

Most recently, Carr announced an investigation into several ABC channels after Jimmy Kimmel joked about First Lady Melania Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Days later, a gunman attempted to storm the event. The Trumps linked Kimmel's joke to the attack and called for his firing.

Even Republican Senator Ted Cruz criticized the FCC's actions, stating he does “not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police.” The White House has repeatedly called Trump the most “transparent” president in US history.

Source: www.aljazeera.com