Political commentator Andrew Neil has declared that the decline of Donald Trump’s presidency is probably already under way, as fears over press freedom in the United States escalate. His remarks come in the wake of the arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, and the fatal shootings of two civilians by ICE agents.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Neil argued that growing dissatisfaction among Republicans and falling popularity could pave the way for more moderate politicians. “The decline of the Trump presidency is probably already under way,” he wrote. “If it ends with a whimper rather than a bang, that will embolden moderate Republicans and encourage Democrats to stay in the mainstream.”
However, Neil cautioned that even if Trump leaves office, his style of political manoeuvring has forever altered America. “A return to the politics we knew before Trump is not on the cards,” he stated, “but America need not be condemned indefinitely to the current craziness.”
The arrests of Lemon and Fort have sparked widespread concern among press freedom organisations. Scott Griffen, executive director of the International Press Institute, described the detentions as a “shocking and disturbing escalation” of the Trump administration’s campaign against the free press. “This is an unequivocal attack on the First Amendment and the American people’s right to know,” he said.
Lemon, who was arrested while reporting on a protest outside a church in Minnesota, has vowed to continue his work. “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” he said. “The First Amendment protects that work, and I will not be silenced.”
