In the reading Attacking the Fourth Estate: The Nature and Effects of Political Leaders’ War with Press, the effects of politics attacking the press are explained. To my surprise, the attack on media did not begin with Trump but has been tied all the way back to George Washington as he expressed concern with the calumnies saying things about his administration in the press because they would affect his ability governing.
In that same way, Trump attacks the media through Twiter to his advantage. During his campaign which when his attacks on media were at an all-time high, he attacked the media by calling it fake news to divert from accusations against him like the rape scandals.
Understanding how politicians use media to attack the news sources of the people affects people’s trust in the news can show how media affects presidential elections and the people’s knowledge of the facts. Taking that into consideration, what limitations should politicians have on social media especially when it comes to attacking the press and new sources that provide citizens with important information?
I agree that I did not realize how long ago attacking the media has gone on. I did not know about the Sedition Act that Adams enacted and I think it goes unmentioned for most history classes but that is important because it counteracts the right to free press. I also like your point about how much power politicians should have when it comes to attacking the media just because one source may talk about something that that person does not like.