Story perspectives

Press Freedom Plummets in Americas Amid Rising Repression

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Inter American Press Association's new press freedom index shows the Americas at their lowest average ranking since 2020, with the United States experiencing the steepest decline.
The report cites 170 attacks on journalists in the US last year, linking the decline to President Donald Trump's return to office.
In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele's government faces criticism for escalating repression, resulting in 50 journalists exiled and a state of emergency that limits civil liberties.
El Salvador ranks among eight nations with high restrictions on press freedom.

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Story summary

The Inter American Press Association's new press freedom index shows the Americas at their lowest average ranking since 2020, with the United States experiencing the steepest decline.
The report cites 170 attacks on journalists in the US last year, linking the decline to President Donald Trump's return to office.
In El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele's government faces criticism for escalating repression, resulting in 50 journalists exiled and a state of emergency that limits civil liberties.
El Salvador ranks among eight nations with high restrictions on press freedom.