BRIAN STELTER (HOST): Katrina, I was talking in the last block about Donald Trump’s love for the media, how he knows all the moguls, knows all the bosses, and takes advantage of the press. And yet at the same time, he bullies and attacks journalists and sometimes blocks them from attending his events. Do you think that in this case Trump is showing how he would act if he does become president?

KATRINA VANDEN HEUVEL: Absolutely. Donald Trump wants to delegitimize the media that isn't giving him a wet kiss. He doesn't understand the fundamental role of free media in a democracy. It's about asking tough, probing questions. He was angry about being held accountable. Holding people accountable, exposing abuses, holding the powerful accountable -- Donald Trump doesn't believe in a media like that. We saw this past week, Brian, his assault on free press, rule of law, First Amendment. This is the first step on the road to an American authoritarianism. Donald Trump wasn't created by the media. We've tussled about that. But he was certainly enabled by a media which, until recently, hasn't given him enough scrutiny. Now that he's getting it because he's the presumptive nominee, look how he treats it. That is a measure of the danger we confront in Donald Trump.

Previously:

Libel Laws, Threats, Nasty Insults: A Guide To Trump’s War Against The Media

Wash. Post's Erik Wemple Calls Out Donald Trump's Attacks On Freedom Of The Press

Trump Bullies The Press -- And The Press Yawns