Staff Reports
A curious episode has emerged in the ongoing saga of media misrepresentation, and this one centers around former President Donald Trump and his critiques of former Representative Liz Cheney. CNN’s Alayna Treene recently claimed that Trump suggested Cheney should be executed, raising eyebrows and prompting a collective eyeroll among those who recognize the tendency of certain media outlets to twist words for sensationalism. The verdict? It’s not just misleading—it’s downright false.
In what can only be described as a classic case of context catastrophe, Trump’s comments about Cheney have been reinterpreted to fit a narrative that sensationalizes his rhetoric. During a conversation with Tucker Carlson, Trump challenged the war-hungry establishment figures like Cheney, questioning their comfort when advocating for military action while remaining safely ensconced in Washington, D.C. The former president mused on how Cheney might feel if she were actually on the front lines of war—an entirely reasonable thought—rather than casually supporting sending others into harm’s way from the comfort of a plush office.
Fact Check: CNN Reporter Falsely Claims Trump Called for Liz Cheney to Be Executed. The question is, what are the consequences for election fraud much less by MSM…?https://t.co/3hOSMj7XsX
— Mark Proctor (@DealDr007) November 4, 2024
Instead of confronting the essence of Trump’s argument regarding the consequences of warmongering, Treene’s rendition exaggerated a figurative remark into a literal death warrant. This kind of exaggeration is par for the course for a media outlet that seems to thrive on ginning up outrage rather than reporting the facts. Instead of focusing on the lessons to be learned about the costs of war, the aim appears to be smearing Trump and elevating Cheney among certain circles who might just enjoy the melodrama.
Moreover, there’s a growing chorus of voices—even from those who don’t typically align with Trump—who are calling out this example of media malpractice. Former Congressman Joe Walsh and others have gone on record to clarify that Trump did not call for Cheney’s execution. They urge people to actually listen to what Trump said to grasp the context instead of falling prey to the sensationalist spin. The reality is that for Washington’s elite who prefer to keep their hands clean while others fight their wars, Trump’s words strike a nerve.
In a twist of irony, the very individuals who claim to loathe “violent rhetoric” seem comfortable with conjuring dramatic scenarios that fit their narrative, even when they misrepresent the original comments. Much like a magician’s sleight of hand, this focus on Trump’s supposed intent distracts from a more significant discussion about military interventionism and the accountability of lawmakers. The media circus will undoubtedly continue, but those in the know can appreciate Trump’s perspective once they strip away the misleading headlines and tune in to the substance behind them.
