John –

This week, Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago.

Why? Reports say the MSNBC hosts, who have often criticized Trump, were afraid of possible retaliation from his new administration. While they defended the meeting as “diplomacy,” it underscores how authoritarian threats can instill fear, prompting even vocal critics to change course in an effort to protect themselves.

This isn’t just about one meeting—it’s yet another warning sign of how Trump’s authoritarianism is chilling the free press. Trump frequently threatens to jail reporters, revoke broadcast licenses, and strip legal protections for journalists. These calculated moves aim to intimidate, silence, and erode free speech, putting the independence of the press—and democracy itself—at risk.

If you believe in fearless, independent media that won’t bend to Trump’s authoritarian tactics, chip in $25 now to support COURIER’s critical work. [[link removed]]

Trump’s actions follow a well-worn authoritarian playbook: Undermine the free press. Spread fear. Silence dissent.

This is the same strategy perfected by leaders like Vladimir Putin. Putin doesn’t need to send every dissenter to a gulag like Stalin did—he only needs to target a handful of high-profile journalists publicly. The fear he generates ensures others fall in line – dissent comes with consequences.

Trump, who has openly praised strongmen like Putin, is borrowing directly from that playbook. His allies in Congress are working to block the PRESS Act, a bipartisan bill designed to protect journalists from government surveillance. He’s vowed to take control of independent agencies like the FCC to punish critical voices. And his “jokes” about exacting violence on journalists mirror the chilling tactics used by authoritarian regimes to keep opposition in check.

The strategy is already working. You can see it in the behavior of Scarborough and Brzezinski, and you can see it in Jeff Bezos’ decision to pull the Washington Post ’s endorsement of Kamala Harris during the election.

As fear spreads, the press becomes less willing to challenge those in power, clearing the path for unchecked authoritarianism.

We can’t let that happen. Here’s how COURIER is fighting back:

* Standing firm against intimidation: While others might be afraid to call out Trump’s authoritarianism, we won’t.
* Reaching voters where it matters: On social media, in email, and beyond, we bring factual reporting directly to the places where right-wing hate and propaganda spreads.
* Delivering what voters need: From exposing propaganda to empowering communities with the truth about the real issues impacting their lives, our work ensures voters have the facts to do their part to protect our democracy.

If you believe in protecting democracy and standing up to authoritarianism, chip in $25 to help COURIER expand our reach and continue delivering fearless journalism. [[link removed]]



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Thank you for standing with us,

In solidarity,
The COURIER Team

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