In a recent speech, former President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack on the media, calling it "corrupt" and "illegal." He claimed that networks like CNN and MSNBC act as "political arms of the Democrat party." Trump expressed frustration over what he sees as negative media coverage, stating that it is aimed at making him fail. He accused the media of writing "97.6 percent bad" about him, emphasizing his belief that the press is biased against him.
Trump's criticism wasn't limited to the media. He continued to assert that the 2020 election was "rigged," despite a lack of evidence to support his claims. He vowed to "expose" his political enemies and alleged election fraud. In his speech, he labeled the Justice Department as the "Department of Injustice" under previous administrations. He also accused the Biden administration of "weaponizing" the DOJ against him. Many Americans share concerns about corporate interests overshadowing average voices, a sentiment that resonates with Trump's claims against powerful institutions.
Trump maintained that the 2020 election was "rigged" and vowed to unveil alleged election fraud, criticizing the DOJ as biased.
The former president's remarks come at a time when public trust in the media is low. Only 29% of Americans trust the media to report facts fully and fairly. In contrast, 44% trust the Trump administration more than the media on issues of accuracy. Many Americans feel that media coverage of Trump is overly negative, with 35% echoing this sentiment. Additionally, 43% believe the media wants Trump to fail. This distrust is particularly pronounced among strong Trump supporters, who exhibit heightened skepticism toward journalists.
Trump has also taken legal action against several media organizations. He sued CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview and the Des Moines Register concerning poll results. ABC News even settled a defamation suit for $15 million. These lawsuits seem to be a tactic for Trump to challenge unfavorable coverage.
His relationship with the media has been contentious. Polls show that 83% of people think the Trump-media relationship is "generally unhealthy." Many believe this tension hampers access to important political news.
