This myth refers to how President Bukele and his supporters have used various tactics to further the belief that opposition media is deceptive and harmful. 

Under Bukele's administration, control over the media has grown steadily. While the government promotes its own narrative through official channels, independent journalists and media that publish critical investigations often face retaliation or pressure to self-censor. 

The government's communication strategy centers on maintaining Bukele's image as a reformer and protector, even when reports from NGOS and independent outlets suggest otherwise. As a result, many citizens are led to believe a simplified, favorable version of the Bukele administration without access to the full reality of what is actually happening.

Propaganda and State-Controlled Media

Following the start of anti-Bukele investigations by El Faro, one of El Salvador's most respected independent news outlets, the Bukele government launched Diario El Salvador, a state-run media platform that publishes government-friendly stories, in 2020. Notably, Diario El Salvador often omits mentions of abuses or mass detentions in the nation, presenting a misleading image of safety.

Bukele on Social Media

Bukele stays very active on social media, where he promotes the government’s narrative and signals which sources the public should rely on. By taking control of the conversation online, he undermines independent reporters and feeds the idea that critics are lying.

Examples:

Threats to Journalists

According to Asociación de Periodistas de El Salvador (APES), a Salvadoran press freedom organization, recorded instances of hostile behaviour towards journalists increased from 77 cases in 2019, when Bukele was first elected, to 125 cases in 2020. That number then jumped to 220 cases in 2021.

Legal Threats

• In 2022, a criminal law amendment (Article 345‑C, Código Penal) criminalized reporting on gangs or sharing content that even "alludes to" gangs.

• This meant media outlets and journalists could face 10-15 years in prison if their reporting was interpreted as violating the law.

• Laws like these increased self-censorship pressure, as independent journalists risked long prison sentences for covering public-interest issues.

The law was repealed in 2023, but the damage was already done. It showed that the government was willing to use criminal law to intimidate the press. And even after the repeal, its impact is still visible, especially in the rise of arbitrary arrests that continue to reinforce the message that independent reporting can carry serious risks if opposing Bukele.

Physical and Psychological Threats

Journalists have been detained and intimidated without charges under the state of emergency.