the “People Don’t Hate Journalists Enough” Campaign

Milei, along with key members of his cabinet, has launched a campaign targeting journalists, encapsulated by the provocative slogan, People don’t hate journalists enough. This initiative coincides with a rise in reported incidents of physical violence and public threats against journalists.

Social Media Barrage

President Milei has leveraged his active social media presence to relentlessly criticize Argentine journalists. His posts, often numbering in the dozens daily, scrutinize the media’s coverage and integrity.

Many journalists are extremely nitpicky when it comes to pointing out others’ mistakes. Are they ready to have the same standard applied to them? Can we show every time they lie, slander, and insult? That is, if they don’t lie — great. If they do, they’ll be exposed.

Javier Milei, via X

In a notable post, Milei depicted himself as morpheus from “The Matrix,” offering followers a choice between the red and blue pills. This metaphor suggests Milei views himself as the purveyor of truth (the red pill), while the mainstream media represents ignorance or illusion (the blue pill).

Economy Minister Luis Caputo has echoed this sentiment, claiming that journalism is a profession that tends to disappear.

Escalating Violence Against Journalists

Beyond online rhetoric, physical violence against journalists has become increasingly frequent.

• Pablo Grillo: on March 12, photographer pablo Grillo was injured by a tear gas canister while covering a pensioners’ march. He spent over a month in intensive care. Despite government denials, fellow journalists have presented evidence contradicting the official narrative.
• Roberto Navarro: Roberto Navarro, founder of The Uncover, reported being attacked on April 21 by unidentified individuals who verbally abused him. Hospitalized after the incident, navarro directly attributed the aggression to Milei’s public statements. I hold the president responsible for what happened to me and for what could happen in the future, navarro stated.
• Antonio Becerra: On April 29, photographer Antonio becerra was harassed by Santiago Caputo, a close aide to President Milei. Caputo confronted Becerra, seized his press credential, and photographed it, an act widely interpreted as a threat.

Becerra described the incident as another stone in what is unfortunately already commonplace, which is the great intimidation of the press.

they are pushing that narrative, ‘all journalists are corrupt, they are the cancer of the Republic.’ well, it’s normal then that journalists are attacked on the street, which is extremely serious. Security forces beat us up during protests; we have to go to a march with riot gear just to cover a retirees’ presentation at Congress. That’s the life we live.

Antonio Becerra, Photographer

Milei’s Evolving Relationship with the Media

Before his presidency, Milei cultivated a less adversarial relationship with the Argentine media. He built his political profile through frequent appearances on talk radio and television, starting in 2015.By the early 2020s,he was a regular guest on America TV,a channel partly owned by Eduardo Eurnekian,his former employer. Milei leveraged this exposure to gain a seat in Congress and eventually reach the presidency.

During his presidential campaign, Milei began to clash with media conglomerates, accusing them of undermining his candidacy. He complained about seemingly minor issues, such as people coughing on set, which he described as intentional sabotage.

Since assuming office, Milei has reduced his media appearances, granting interviews almost exclusively from the Casa Rosada under tightly controlled conditions. These conditions include strict oversight of lighting and editing.

In February, Todo Noticias accidentally aired footage of an interview where Milei discussed a cryptocurrency scandal, LibraGate. The footage showed advisor Santiago Caputo intervening to prevent Milei from further implicating himself.

In March, Milei clashed with Grupo Clarín after their telecommunications company, Telecom, acquired Telefonica. Milei vowed to retract the billion-dollar operation to defend the people of Argentina and accused media companies of pressuring and manipulating governments.

Journalism Forum’s Warning

The Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) has warned about the escalation of attacks on journalists promoted by the country’s highest authority.

While tensions between rulers and the press are normal in a democratic system, attacks on the media often have direct effects on the full exercise of other civil and social rights. Not for nothing has the United Nations repeatedly stated that governments’ tolerance of unfavorable opinions and critical voices is a good indicator of their respect for human rights in general.

Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA)

FOPEA’s 2024 Freedom of Expression Monitoring report recorded a 53% increase in attacks on the press compared to 2023, with 44% of aggressors resorting to digital violence.

Beyond being intimidating, these words from the president represent a setback in democratic construction. In its 2024 Freedom of Expression monitoring report, FOPEA recorded a 53% increase in attacks on the press compared to 2023. The report specifies that 44% of aggressors resorted to digital violence, which amplifies its impact. It is evident, then, that threats on social media against journalists are a natural result of the attacks on the press from the government.

Argentine journalism Forum (FOPEA)