I'm going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money….So that when the New York Times writes a hit piece, which is a total disgrace-or when the Washington Post…writes a hit piece, we can sue them….
The statement expresses a desire to reform libel laws to make it easier to take legal action against media outlets that publish unfavorable or false articles. The speaker emphasizes their frustration with major publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post, suggesting that these outlets intentionally produce misleading or damaging content. The aim is to create a legal environment where such publications can be challenged more effectively in court.
This perspective contributes to the larger discussion in Steven Levitsky's book "How Democracies Die," which explores the erosion of democratic norms and institutions. The emphasis on using legal measures against the press indicates a troubling trend where political leaders seek to undermine the freedom of the press, potentially threatening the checks and balances essential for democracy.
