MoJo Reader,

What does it mean for the free press in America that President Trump has managed to intimidate the corporate media into acting scared and compliant?

It means we’re seeing what happens when money and fear drive journalism.

I just published a longer take on this subject that I hope you’ll find worth your time to read, but for now here’s the gist of it, along with my earnest plea for your support for our work. Because, like you, we believe that truth matters. Accountability matters. And journalism that serves the public—not the powerful—matters.

Trump has always loved suing the press. For years, major networks pushed back—like when ABC fought his lawsuit over George Stephanopoulos accurately stating that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case. (The jury found him liable for sexual assault, and the judge clarified that Trump had “raped her” under any definition but New York’s very narrow legal one.)

But after Trump’s reelection, everything changed. ABC turned tail and paid $15 million just to make the case go away. Not long after, the network dismissed veteran correspondent Terry Moran—shortly after he dared to call Trump adviser Stephen Miller a “world-class hater.”

Over at CBS, the story is even more twisted. Trump sued over a Kamala Harris interview, claiming CBS violated consumer protection laws by editing it (without, it should be noted, altering the meaning). First Amendment experts called it “baseless.” Paramount, CBS’ parent company, initially fought back—until Trump’s FCC opened an investigation into that same interview and linked it to Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media. That’s right: Days after Trump’s inauguration, his administration began using federal power to punish the press.

And just to make sure no one missed the message? Trump doubled his demand to $20 billion.

Meanwhile, Paramount owner Shari Redstone reportedly asked CBS execs to hold off on negative Trump stories—until the merger was done. Legendary 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned, citing a loss of newsroom independence. His boss soon followed. And then? Paramount just recently settled with Trump for $16 million. That’s $16 million more than media law experts thought he deserved.

Let’s be clear: This is capitulation. And it's dangerous.

Here at Mother Jones, we’re living proof that independence has always had a cost—but that the cost is worth it.

We’ve stood up to bullies before. And we will again. But we need your help.

The billionaires and media giants—those who could afford to stand up—are choosing instead to fold. To protect their mergers. To protect their profits. To protect themselves.

Here’s the promise we make to you: We answer only to our readers. Not to corporate overlords. Not to advertisers. Not to billionaires or politicians or powerful interests. But we can’t do it alone. Will you donate today to support independent, fearless journalism that never backs down?

This is one of those moments that defines who we are. If you believe in holding power to account, if you believe the press should be free and fearless—join us. Because we fight back. Because it’s in our DNA. Because it’s in yours.

Thank you, as ever, for standing with us.