RSF includes Trump in list of top threats to media for first time

US president recognised as threat to journalists

The international organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has published its annual list of the biggest threats to press freedom in the world for 2026. US President Donald Trump has been included in this list for the first time.

According to RSF representatives, Trump's inclusion is due to increased pressure on the media following his return to the White House. The organisation claims that he is using presidential powers against publications whose coverage he dislikes.

Who else is in the crosshairs

The list includes a total of 33 individuals and organisations. In addition to Trump, they include:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin;
• Chinese leader Xi Jinping;
• Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko;
• US entrepreneur Elon Musk;
• Israeli armed forces;
• companies Alphabet and Meta.

US position in press freedom index

According to RSF data, the United States of America ranks 64th out of 180 countries in the global press freedom index.