President Donald Trump's escalating battle against mainstream media outlets reaches new heights at a controversial Justice Department speech.

According to Fox News, Trump accused major news organizations of "illegal" reporting while simultaneously taking decisive action against Voice of America through an executive order that effectively dismantled the government-funded media outlet.

The president's unprecedented move to target traditional media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post coincides with his successful civil lawsuit against ABC News, which resulted in a $16 million settlement. His allegations of illegal reporting, though lacking specific details about the nature of the illegality, signal a potential shift toward more aggressive action against news organizations.

Major media outlets respond to presidential accusations

The response from prominent news organizations to Trump's allegations has been notably subdued. Both The New York Times and The Washington Post chose not to address the president's claims of illegal reporting in their coverage of his Justice Department speech.

The newspapers instead focused on other aspects of Trump's remarks, including his criticism of lawyers and former prosecutors. They also highlighted his accusations against the Justice Department's previous leadership and his comments about former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

This selective coverage raises questions about whether these publications are attempting to avoid giving oxygen to Trump's allegations or if they fear potential legal repercussions.

Voice of America faces unprecedented restructuring

The president's executive order targeting Voice of America has resulted in the indefinite leave of approximately 1,300 journalists, executives, and staff members. This action effectively dismantles an organization that has operated since World War II.

VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb expressed her concerns about the situation, stating:

A silencing of VOA will be celebrated by communists, autocrats and ayatollahs whose lies we shed light on.

Trump's longstanding criticism of VOA, which he once labeled as the "voice of the Soviet Union," culminated in this sweeping action. The move comes as former Arizona candidate Kari Lake serves as special adviser to VOA's parent agency.

Shifting landscape of government media operations

The restructuring of Voice of America represents a significant departure from its historical role in countering enemy propaganda. While the organization's effectiveness in modern times has been debated, its sudden dismantling raises concerns about America's international broadcasting presence.

The president's decision affects not only VOA but also Radio Free Europe, marking a substantial shift in U.S. government-funded media operations. These changes occur against the backdrop of evolving international relationships, particularly noting Trump's cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The impact extends beyond the immediate job losses, potentially affecting America's ability to counter disinformation and maintain its media presence in critical regions worldwide.

Where Trump's media strategy stands now

President Trump's dual approach of targeting mainstream media outlets while dismantling government-funded broadcasting operations represents a significant evolution in his media strategy. His Justice Department speech accused major news organizations of illegal reporting while simultaneously implementing an executive order that effectively shuttered Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. The president's actions have resulted in the indefinite leave of 1,300 media professionals and raised questions about the future of American international broadcasting, while major news outlets maintain a conspicuous silence regarding his allegations of illegal reporting.