If re-elected, President Donald Trump could use the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement policies that limit the free speech rights of the media.
The FCC is an independent agency that regulates interstate and international communications. It appointed five commissioners, of which a majority are currently Republicans – which could give Trump the votes needed to push through his agenda.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the media, calling them “the enemy of the people” and accusing them of spreading “fake news.” He has also proposed changes to the FCC’s rules that would make it easier for him to censor content that he does not like.
If Trump is re-elected, he could intensify his efforts to control the media through the FCC. This could have a dramatic impact on the First Amendment rights of all Americans, as well as on the ability of the press to hold the government accountable.