I skimmed through all the articles.
Yes, its no secret that Trump was pleased with Assange and Wikileaks releasing the DNC emails. Assange insists it wasn't a Russian state actor. Trump wanted that name for his own purposes and offered a deal to Assange.

But its a ludicrous leap to say that Trump and Assange want the same thing. Or support the same goals.

And yes, Assange = Wikileaks. Specifically in this case the material that was released by Manning. But it is way more about the threat an organization like Wikileaks is. Right before Assange went on the run, Wikileaks and him were attempting to set up a journalist haven in Iceland, negotiating with politicians to use their island as a center for journalists to work inhibited and protected from corrupt elite international elites. A space that would encourage whistleblowers like the John Doe that released The Panama Papers. This was one of the deepest threats to the world's elites ever, both those based in the US and around the world. And they've done their best to take a perhaps flawed individual, and spin that to create a monster out of him. At least in the eyes of those who believe them.

Its not about Assange's personal character for me. Just like MLK, and Bill Clinton. I don't care about that. Its about who they represent, and the work they stand for.

Maybe if journalists expose information for the public, nothing more, and the result is being hunted down internationally, imprisoned, and had a negative PR campaign unleashed against them.......maybe just maybe that's a clue that their voice is important to hear?