It’s no secret that Donald Trump is not a fan of the media, famously calling out “fake news”, and “liars” among journalists. Trump has famously called Buzzfeed News a “failing pile of garbage”, blamed the New York Times for violent protests, and mocked a disabled journalist. In more recent news, after the viral photo of the Inauguration crowd size difference between Obama’s and Trump’s presidency, increased outlash and scrutiny began of “left-wing” media outlets and journalists, claiming that the media is blatantly biased and aiming towards harming the president’s image. Trump even went as far as stating that journalists are “the most dishonest human beings on earth.”
The extent of Trump’s self proclaimed war on the media is a first for presidents, especially within just a few weeks of his administration. During a visit to the CIA headquarters, Trump made clear his position on news outlets by stating that “I have a running war with the media.” Though this “war” is seemingly one-sided, due to the level of power a president has over influencing the population, his transparent attacks against the media still bring harm to the public’s belief of legitimacy among many news outlets.
Trump’s supporters are far from opposing this “war.” At rallies across the country, Trump supporters famously shouted a term coined by the Nazi’s, “Lugenpresse”, meaning lying press, at media outlets covering the events. Journalists have also been blamed for “rigging” the election, and encouraging what Trump describes as “millions of cases” of voter fraud. Trump continues to attempt to under-cut reporters as coverage and buzz is increasing over his actions as president.
It’s simple to see that Trump’s outcries against journalists across the country have become a scapegoat for leaked news, backlash, and shockingly high disapproval rates. When the facts aren’t on his side, Trump cries wolf to distract from his already faltering presidency. Trump’s administration is failing to attempt to disarm the media of their public duties; informing the public on government activities and political headlines.
Though Trump has begun a self proclaimed “war” on the media, his efforts are having the opposite affect he intended on. Now more than ever, media outlets across the country have increased coverage on Trump’s administration, allowing the public to be informed and aware of his mistakes. Without news outlets, federal government obtains the ability to abuse power without opposition due to an unaware public. Protests and strikes are bigger than ever, as the media thankfully provides us with an relentless attestation to Trump’s every move.
