Sanders urges 'independent press that reports the truth without fear' of Trump retribution

Summary

Sen. Bernie Sanders warned that media self-censorship and legal intimidation from Trump pose a major threat to press freedom.

He criticized CBS for reportedly considering a settlement in Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit over a "60 Minutes" interview and ABC for paying $15 million to settle Trump-related defamation claims.

Sanders also condemned Trump’s lawsuit against a pollster for unfavorable election polling.

Media owners have faced scrutiny for restricting anti-Trump coverage, fueling concerns that press freedoms are eroding even before any government crackdown.