The journalists: from enemies of the people to traitors

Trump's militaristic escalation also has a translation in his (meager) consideration of the independent press. Let's remember that one of his leitmotifs during the first term of his insane mandate was to repeat over and over again that journalists were enemies of the people. It was irresponsible because it criminalized them in the eyes of the MAGA mob, but this epithet worthy of Ibsen had no legal repercussions. Now, however, the American president is going a step further and this week, in one of his erratic verbal evacuations, suggested that the media could face charges for treason if he considers that they spread false information and, therefore, help the enemies of the United States. All this happens while the Pentagon has initiated a maneuver to increase its opacity and prevent the press from holding it accountable.

Going from enemies to traitors is not just a matter of semantic temperature, due to the judicial implications it can entail. And even Pete Hegseth, who before being Secretary of Defense – and renaming the position “Secretary of War” – was a presenter on Fox News, now calls for more patriotic headlines and openly expresses the desire for CNN to change its editorial line, taking advantage of the fact that it has been bought by an ally of Trump. The head of the body that regulates television licenses has also uttered threats against rebellious channels. Journalism deserves sufficient legal security so as not to have to worry about whether it faces the blustering attitude of a loudmouth or something more. And it bodes no good that the American president's language increasingly assumes the semiotics of authoritarian regimes. Which, due to the contagious effect of everything that happens in the United States, will end up arriving here in one way or another. Bad times for lyricism, and for prose.