Staff Reports
In the whirlwind world of politics, Donald Trump continues to keep everyone on their toes, including the media. As he embarks on his new term in the White House, he enters a landscape markedly different from the one he navigated during his first term. In this latest chapter, it seems that the role of traditional media has flipped, with Trump appearing less reliant on their coverage and the networks scrambling to keep up. The president, once the target of relentless critiques and scorn, now finds himself in a position of power where he no longer seeks approval from the media that once delighted in scrutinizing him.
Historically, newly inaugurated presidents are afforded a certain grace period—a honeymoon phase where the media offers them a kinder lens. However, Trump barely enjoyed that luxury, receiving more of a “couple of minutes” before the press began picking apart his every move. Meanwhile, ratings for many cable news networks have plummeted, shedding more viewers than they have a right to lose. Trump’s absence from political running after this term has liberated him; he doesn’t need the media’s favorable reviews like past candidates seeking re-election. Right now, it seems like the major networks are the ones in search of his approval, not the other way around.
Take the New York Times, for example. They still struggle to find a positive yet honest voice when discussing Trump. Their recent coverage managed to depict him as older (which is factual, considering years passed) while simultaneously asserting that he was more self-assured. Meanwhile, they clung to the notion that Trump’s recent victory was “narrow,” a term that’s becoming increasingly stretched. When Trump defeated Kamala Harris by a significant margin, one must wonder: was that victory really so narrow? That was not how the Times chose to interpret it.
The media often finds itself in a predicament, particularly when tasked with reporting on Trump’s actions. Rather than focusing on substance, they often pirouette over facts to inject a negative spin or create controversy. For example, the recent frenzy over Trump’s administration purportedly manipulating government functions swiftly veered into questioning what exactly he was even manipulating in less than 24 hours in office! It seems like the media is more interested in weaving a narrative that paints Trump in a convoluted light rather than straightforwardly covering events as they unfold.
On the flip side, President Joe Biden’s actions often receive a cozy wrap-up. For instance, when Biden pardoned numerous family members and engaged in policy discussions, the media not only glossed over the implications but also presented it as a noble endeavor. This sharp contrast highlights the media’s slant in coverage and raises eyebrows about accountability. Why do Biden’s pardons get a free pass while similar Trump actions bring with them a cloud of controversy? It’s a double standard that many Americans are starting to recognize, and despite this, we can be sure the networks will continue with their tactics.
Ultimately, as Trump steps into the arena once more, his relationship with the media remains a fascinating spectacle. The media remains steadfast in their pursuit of narratives contrary to his position, perhaps out of habit or stubbornness. However, Trump’s newfound independence allows him to march forward unhindered by their critiques. He may have been the unyielding outsider before, but now he’s an established political insider leading a movement that seems to have left the media trailing behind. The reality is that traditional reporting is taking a backseat to the shifting dynamics of modern American politics, and the media’s struggle to adapt could very well jeopardize their role in the years to come.
