The Trump administration has publicly voiced its intention to deconstruct the administrative state; it has relegated the vast American media industry to the league of enemies. Most significantly, it has taken tangible steps to restrict the press' ability to effectively inform the public on the presidency.

"Every administration spins, fights with the press and the bureaucracy, pushes its own agenda, and tries to evade intrusive oversight," writes Gideon Rose, editor of 'Foreign Affairs.' "But ordinary White Houses do not repeatedly lie, declare war on mainstream media institutions, pursue radical goals while disdaining professional input, and refuse to accept independent =scrutiny."