Donald Trump v the Media: A dangerous attack on democracy

Image source - The Now Time

This article was originally published on May 1, 2025.

‍

Donald J Trump is synonymous with dismissing journalists, but is this more than a man child throwing various tantrums? It is much more. It is a clear and vicious attack on democracy itself. All you have to do is search Donald Trump v the Media to find countless videos of Trump attacking journalists:

Donald Trump shuts down CNN reporter

Trump calls CNN reporter 'enemy of the people'

Donald Trump mocks female reporter: 'I know you are not thinking'

‍

It would be naive to say Donald Trump’s tactics are anything but a deliberate attempt to polarise Americans against the free press. Every time he dismisses a journalist, he is not just rejecting a question - he is painting journalism as fake news. This is not just ridicule; it’s systematic. Basic signals of inclusivity like journalists listing their pronouns are met with contempt, suggesting only certain voices are worth hearing. By diluting the power of journalism - a body fundamentally designed to expose corruption, Trump strengthens his unchecked power, undermining democracy and violating basic human rights in the process.

‍

Brainwashing 101

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Oligarchy as ‘government by a small group of very powerful people.’ It could not be more obvious than billionaires seated front row at his inauguration.

‍

‘The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.’ Even when journalists present evidence and facts, Trump simply dismisses it. His goal is not just to lie, but to deny that anything can be true unless it comes directly out of his mouth. So, when people no longer trust what the truth is telling them, they slip straight into the dangerous world of compliancy - where loyalty replaces reality.

‍

This is seen in the assault on journalists during the January 6 Capitol attack where ‘Murder the Media’ was scratched onto the capitols doors; a clear example of how much Donald Trump has brainwashed America. It was the dangerous consequence of a man who could not accept defeat, and instead waged a war on the media through his supporters, without getting his hands dirty - because simply put, he could. It isn’t Donald Trump v the Media; its truth vs propaganda.