Donald Trump recently said: “When 97 percent of the stories are bad about a person, it’s no longer free speech.”

Let that sink in. Instead of asking himself why nearly all coverage is negative, he’s decided the problem is that criticism exists at all. That’s not leadership, that’s authoritarianism with a spray tan.

Free Speech 101

Free speech doesn’t guarantee flattering coverage. It doesn’t guarantee that the press has to kiss your ass. What it does guarantee is the right of journalists, citizens, and anyone else to call out leaders when they screw up. That’s democracy in action.

If the vast majority of reporting is negative, maybe it’s not a conspiracy. Maybe it’s a reflection of reality. Leaders in healthy democracies face tough questions and criticism every single day. That’s how accountability works.

The Dangerous Logic

Trump’s statement is more than whining, it’s a blueprint. If he convinces enough people that negative coverage is “fake” or “unfair,” then censorship can be framed as “protection.” That’s the first step down a very dark road, one we’ve seen before in other countries where leaders silenced dissent and wrapped it in the flag.

This isn’t about left vs. right. It’s about power vs. accountability. The minute we accept the idea that negative press is illegitimate, we’ve signed away one of our most important freedoms.

Think for Yourself

Don’t take my word for it. Don’t take Trump’s word for it. Look at the facts, read multiple sources, and ask the simple question: If 97% of people are saying the same thing, is it more likely that they’re all lying , or that the subject of the criticism is the problem?

Free speech means we get to decide that answer for ourselves. Not him. Not any politician.