US research and information center Media Matters for America charged Tuesday that President Donald Trump is trying to “throttle the free press,” arguing that large companies and news sources are going along with it. These new sources include Paramount Global, Meta, and ABC News.

President Trump has already settled claims with both Meta and ABC News. Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, is now allegedly in talks to settle the $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump in November 2024 for editing an interview with Vice President Harris and making her more appealing to viewers. Paramount argues that these interview cuts are protected by the First Amendment. While Paramount originally made it clear they would defend themselves, they are now allegedly feeling the pressure to settle by the Federal Communications Commission if they plan to merge with Skydance Media. Most other cases filed by the President are regarding defamation.

The group also reported that the Department of Defense has required NBC News, The New York Times, Politico, and National Public Radio to vacate their dedicated workspaces in the Pentagon on January 31. Their workspaces are now reassigned to right-wing media outlets, including One America News Network, New York Post, and Breitbart.

This report comes only four days after President Trump signed an executive order dedicated to restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship. The order discusses the First Amendment, stating that it is the policy of the US to secure the right of constitutionally protected speech and prevent federal government employees from abridging it. The order also states the government will take action to correct past misconduct by the federal government related to censorship of protected speech. While the order places a large focus on promoting free speech on social media, there also have been suggestions by the President and FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, that broadcasting stations may also be investigated for violation of the First Amendment, claiming they are not living up to their public interest obligations.

As these cases with the President continue to unfold, journalists worry that these settlements will weaken the liberties on which the media depends.

A web-based non-profit organization, Media Matters for America is dedicated to “comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the US media.”