Press freedom globally has hit an all-time low, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The United States, under President Donald Trump, dropped to 57th place—falling behind Sierra Leone—due to increasing attacks on media, defunding of independent outlets, and an overall “authoritarian shift.”
RSF warned of “alarming deterioration” in the U.S., citing Trump’s cuts to Voice of America and other state-backed broadcasters, lawsuits against major media houses, and worsening conditions for journalists. The U.S. has seen the rise of “news deserts” and diminishing financial support for local journalism.
Globally, half the world’s countries now offer poor conditions for journalism. RSF blamed economic pressures, with ad revenues dominated by tech giants like Google and Facebook, forcing many independent news outlets to shut down.
Top-ranking countries include Norway (1st), Estonia (2nd), and the Netherlands (3rd), while Argentina and Tunisia also saw steep declines. RSF also condemned Israel’s attacks on journalists in Gaza, where nearly 200 have been killed.
