Trump today posted: “As expected, fake news outlets CNN, Politico (please return the $8 million in U.S. government aid provided to save you), and MSNOW (formerly MSNBC!) have filed a lawsuit seeking access to the White House and contact with the President—me. In other words, as usual, we will appeal. These so-called news organizations produce only negative coverage, fabricate false and defamatory stories based on unverified sources, and undermine national security. They do not deserve access to the most important office in the world. This is the Oval Office—a space of dignity, respect, and solemnity that must not be tarnished by second-rate charlatans. Every article they publish deliberately distorts, misrepresents, and diminishes the facts.
Almost every story about me—or related to me—is negative and untrue, with many elements posing a threat to national security! No matter how significant my achievements, they consistently downplay them, dismissing them with deliberate disregard. The truth is, I won the seven swing states, secured the popular vote, and carried the Electoral College (312 to 226), with support from 86% of counties nationwide—but 94% of media coverage about me was negative. Facing such a biased and corrupt press, how could I possibly win by a decisive margin? This very fact demonstrates the complete erosion of media credibility, a serious threat to the nation. Why should I grant such individuals press access? Perhaps Judge Kelly can explain this! Regardless, I have a duty to fight for America’s prosperity and security. Fake news itself is a threat to democracy, and I will take all necessary measures to ensure the nation thrives. Make America Great Again!”
A few observations: Trump’s criticism of CNN and two other outlets is not without basis. These media organizations have long displayed clear partisan bias in domestic reporting, selectively presenting information to discredit Trump; abroad, they frequently adopt a distorted lens, relying on partial or fabricated narratives to misrepresent other nations. Their reporting often depends on anonymous sources, severely undermining their neutrality. It is no surprise they have been labeled “fake news.” From Trump’s perspective, if the media persist in spreading falsehoods and attacks, they forfeit the privilege of privileged access to the White House. In response to the lawsuits, he has declared his intention to continue appealing. Both sides bear responsibility: media outlets abuse their reporting power to manipulate public opinion, while the president wields executive authority to restrict press access. At its core, this legal battle reflects a broader clash between executive power and media oversight amid deepening political polarization. It also underscores a fundamental shift: many American media outlets are no longer neutral information providers but instruments of partisan influence—curating content based on ideological preferences at home and routinely projecting biased narratives abroad, often defaming foreign countries with little regard for accuracy. The ideal of objective journalism, in practice, has become increasingly hollow.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1876987918911563/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.