US hits 'historic low' in RSF press freedom ranking
Al Jazeera Staff
The United States has fallen to 64th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, its lowest-ever position, as RSF warns of a 'press freedom crisis.' The report cites Trump administration policies and media consolidation as key factors, with the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr stepping up pressure on journalists.
According to the annual World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on April 30, the United States has hit a 'historic low,' continuing a decade-long decline. The U.S. dropped seven spots from 57th to 64th among 180 ranked countries, though it remains in the 'problematic' category. Norway topped the list, while Eritrea ranked last.
The report noted a global decline in press freedom indicators in 2025, with more than half of the world's countries classified as 'difficult' or 'very serious' for the first time.
Clayton Weimers, executive director of RSF's North American bureau, said the U.S. is experiencing a 'press freedom crisis.' According to him, the administration of President Donald Trump has waged 'a coordinated war against press freedom' since day one.
The report cites two main causes: Trump administration policies and the trend of media consolidation in the U.S. This includes Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global (owner of CBS News) and Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. (owner of CNN). Skydance is owned by David Ellison, whose father is billionaire Larry Ellison, a close Trump ally. Only six conglomerates now control most U.S. media: Comcast, Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Skydance, Sony, and Amazon.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr is said to have increased pressure on figures and journalists during Trump's second term. In March, Carr announced plans to revoke licenses of broadcasters 'spreading misinformation' and 'not acting in the public interest.' Trump said he was 'very pleased' with the statement. The FCC also threatened license revocation over coverage of Trump's immigration policy.
Recently, Carr announced an investigation into several ABC channels after host Jimmy Kimmel joked that First Lady Melania Trump 'shines like a widow about to wear mourning' ahead of the WHCD event. A gunman later attempted to attack the WHCD. The Trump family linked the joke to the attack and called for Kimmel's firing. However, Republican Senator Ted Cruz criticized the FCC, saying he 'doesn't believe the FCC should act as a speech police.' The White House has repeatedly claimed Trump is the 'most transparent' president in history, citing his frequent press briefings.
