**Guarding Democracy: The Challenge of Independent Journalism Under Another Trump Presidency**

In a momentous and alarming chapter in U.S. history, the tumultuous four-year term of Donald Trump left an indelible mark on American democracy. During his presidency, news outlets like The Guardian pledged to rigorously scrutinize his administration, and they fulfilled that promise. They consistently highlighted the threat of Trump's authoritarian tendencies and treated his falsehoods as serious dangers to democratic principles, threats that dramatically culminated on January 6, 2021.

As the nation braces for Trump's potential return to the White House, the implications loom large. From warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East to the state of American democracy, reproductive rights, inequality, and the global environmental future, the stakes could not be higher. In response, there is a renewed commitment to hold the president-elect and his administration accountable.

Guardian US media columnist Margaret Sullivan has underscored the severe threats a second Trump presidency would pose to a free press. Trump has long incited hostility towards journalists, dubbing them "enemies of the people" and dismissing legitimate journalism as "fake news." The fears are further fueled by prospective Trump appointee Kash Patel's aggressive stance towards the media and by Project 2025, which plans to facilitate the seizure of journalists' emails and phone records.

Standing up to these threats will require fearless, well-funded independent journalism - the kind that cannot be intimidated by a president willing to bully from the Oval Office. Supporting this essential mission becomes more crucial than ever. Efforts to safeguard a free press and ensure robust reporting are vital, and public support can play a pivotal role.

The call to action is clear: protecting journalistic integrity is imperative. With just £1 or $1, you can support The Guardian in its mission to stand up for press freedom and democratic values. The work begins now.