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Dear Reader,

What happens when Trump’s billionaire friends start buying up the news?

We stop getting journalism—and start getting propaganda.

Trump’s billionaire allies in the Ellison family are gobbling up CBS, Paramount, and now possibly Warner Bros. Discovery, with full approval from the White House. Their new editor in chief at CBS? Bari Weiss, a right-wing culture warrior with no newsroom experience.

CBS is already falling. CNN could be next.

This is how it starts. It’s Orbán-style media capture—American edition. Trump gives cronies like the Ellison family the movie studios, the cable networks, the newsrooms. Rewards their obedience. Punishes dissent. And uses antitrust powers to turn the press into another tool of authoritarianism. 

"They’re friends of mine," Trump said. "They’ll do the right thing."

Trump is rewarding loyalty with media empires. The New Republic is fighting to keep the press free—and we need your help.

The New Republic is one of the last independent, progressive publications left standing. We’ve been trusted with early access to stories that shake Washington, because people know we won’t hide the truth. Now we’re seeing this oligarchic takeover threaten democracy itself—and we’re ready to fight for free speech.

If we want a future where the press still holds the powerful accountable—instead of catering to them—we have to fight for it. Right now.

For U.S.-based donors giving $100 or more, we’ll thank you with our exclusive TNR tote bag. But more importantly, you’ll be defending the free press when it matters most.

Trump and his cabal of billionaire friends are betting they can drown out truth with money and power. But The New Republic has a century-long record of taking a stand—and we’re not stopping anytime soon.

Sincerely,

Michael Tomasky, editor

The New Republic

Contributions to the Fund for The New Republic are not tax-deductible as charitable donations.