Dear Friends,

As the U.S. presidential election looms, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released a new report analyzing four key swing states — and found that none are a model of press freedom. Journalists and media experts in these states are highly concerned about the media’s dire economic situation, a lack of responsiveness from government officials, and growing hostility from local political leaders.

RSF also found that on a national level, Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump has escalated his war against the media. During an eight-week period, between 1st September and 24th October, he insulted, attacked or threatened the media at least 108 times in public speeches or remarks. This figure does not include social media posts or remarks from others connected to the campaign.

A lack of trust in the media, a growing sense of insecurity among journalists, and outright hostility from politicians like Donald Trump are all factors that contributed to the United States’ slide to 55th out of 180 countries on RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index.

In response to this backslide, RSF has urged both Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris to adopt 10 policy proposals to strengthen American press freedom and reposition the U.S. as a global leader on the issue.

It is thanks to you that RSF can lead this work. Every donation demonstrates your support for press freedom around the world. Thank you for standing with us.