Press Freedom Report: April 5, 2025

United States

• Nationwide ‘Hands Off’ Protests Signal Growing Pushback Against Executive Overreach
  Massive protests unfolded in more than 1,000 locations across the United States, marking one of the most coordinated displays of resistance since President Trump’s return to office. Organized by a coalition of labor unions, civil rights organizations, students, and progressive groups, the “Hands Off” movement voiced opposition to perceived authoritarian governance, particularly executive orders affecting the press, reproductive rights, healthcare access, and environmental regulation.

Protesters raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions, including direct threats to the independence of the press. The scope and scale of participation—spanning from large cities like New York and Los Angeles to smaller conservative towns—reflected a broad-based anxiety about the direction of federal policymaking. Media organizations were not only vocal supporters but also key subjects of the rallies, with speakers highlighting the administration’s hostility toward the press as a symptom of larger democratic backsliding.

• Legal Victory for Mississippi Investigative Journalists
  In a separate but symbolically significant development, a Mississippi court dismissed a defamation suit filed by a former governor against Mississippi Today, a nonprofit investigative newsroom. The case had raised alarms among press advocates, who viewed the lawsuit as an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing critical reporting. The dismissal was widely hailed as a victory for accountability journalism and a reaffirmation of constitutional protections for media organizations holding public officials to account.

Costa Rica

• Warning Signs of Declining Press Freedom
  A new report released by Costa Rican academic and civil society organizations warned of an increasingly hostile environment for journalists in the country. While Costa Rica is often regarded as one of the most democratic nations in Latin America, the report outlined growing concerns over government-led disinformation, smear campaigns against journalists, and attempts to undermine public trust in independent news.

President Rodrigo Chaves has been criticized for his polarizing rhetoric, particularly targeting media outlets that scrutinize his administration. The findings suggest a shift in tone and tactics that could signal long-term risks to the institutional independence of the press, even in traditionally open societies.