Donald Trump did the unthinkable—he challenged the media’s untouchable status and walked away victorious.
From the moment he declared them “fake news,” the gauntlet was thrown, and the media scrambled to keep up. The result? Trump didn’t just expose their bias; he turned them into unwitting partners in his rise, ultimately making them his greatest advertisement.
The media’s unraveling was a self-inflicted wound. And Trump simply handed them the mirror so they could see their own reflections.
When the Media Folded
One of the most telling moments came in late 2024, after Trump’s shocking victory. MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the fiery co-hosts of Morning Joe, took a surprising trip to Mar-a-Lago. Scarborough, who had once compared Trump’s rhetoric to that of Adolf Hitler, found himself seated across from the president-elect. The conversation between former adversaries caught media insiders by surprise, while viewers of Morning Joe seethed in betrayal.
Scarborough later explained, “What we did agree on was to restart communications. We didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of issues, and we told him so.” Mika’s defense was even more candid: “For those asking why we would speak to the president-elect during such fraught times, I guess I would ask back, ‘Why wouldn’t we?’”
It was an astonishing mea culpa, the beginning of a trend that saw the media gradually bend to Trump’s dominance. The reality was glaring: the media had failed—not just in covering Trump—but in controlling the narrative. They had underestimated him, and worse, they had underestimated his voters.
Trump’s Newsworthiness vs. Biden’s Absence
The contrast between Trump and Biden couldn’t be starker. While Biden treats the press like an overzealous landlord he’d prefer to ghost, Trump treats every microphone like a spotlight.
Scarborough recently cited a staggering comparison: the number of interviews and impromptu pressers Trump gave versus Biden. It wasn’t even close. Trump engaged constantly, providing a steady stream of commentary, while Biden often retreated to the safety of canned responses and teleprompters. Of course, Biden’s aversion to the press isn’t purely about age or mental acuity. There’s another reason: he’s not newsworthy. Biden’s vanilla rhetoric rarely stirs the pot, whereas Trump’s every word sets the table for a national debate.
Take Trump’s casual mention of annexing Canada. Was he serious? Doubtful. But the comment put Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on edge and triggered conversations about Canada’s political issues—from weak leadership to economic missteps. Trump followed up by slapping Canada with a 25 percent tariff, proving there was method to his madness. He wasn’t just trolling; he was setting the stage for policy.
Trump’s off-the-cuff remarks often function as trial balloons. By floating ideas publicly, he gauges reactions while educating the public. And unlike most politicians, Trump makes his policies feel participatory. Whether you agree or disagree, you can’t ignore him—and that’s precisely the point.
Reviving the Forgotten: The Panama Canal
Another example of Trump’s knack for steering national attention is his mention of the Panama Canal. To many, it may have seemed like a throwaway comment. But when Trump speaks, there’s always a subtext.
The Panama Canal, built under American direction, remains a crucial trade artery, yet its control was handed over to Panama decades ago. While most presidents have ignored its significance, Trump’s remarks suggest he’s not one to overlook strategic assets. By bringing the Canal back into public discourse, he’s planting seeds for future action.
Why does this matter? The Panama Canal is more than a shipping route; it’s a geopolitical flashpoint. China has been steadily expanding its influence in Central America, including investments in infrastructure projects near the Canal. Trump’s comments could be a warning shot, signaling that the U.S. won’t sit idly by as global rivals encroach on its sphere of influence. As always, Trump’s rhetoric serves multiple purposes: it educates, agitates, and lays the groundwork for potential policy moves.
Media’s Self-Destruction
The media’s obsession with Trump—what Newsweek aptly called “all-encompassing” during his first term—turned out to be their undoing. Every tweet, every offhand comment became a headline, often accompanied by panels of experts dissecting Trump’s motives and mental state. They thought they were damaging him, but they were building him into a larger-than-life figure.
Veteran journalist Frank Sesno noted,
“In the first term, the media and political establishment often treated Trump as an aberration. But Trump 2.0 is different. The country knew exactly what it was getting, and it voted for him anyway. This is not a fluke; it’s a choice.”
The media never grasped that their relentless coverage amplified Trump’s reach. By 2024, their tone had shifted from derision to reluctant acceptance. Trump wasn’t just a fluke; he was a movement. And they had played a starring role in making it happen.
Trump’s Mandate, Media’s Puppet Strings
Trump’s second act isn’t just about reclaiming the White House; it’s about proving a point. The media that once mocked him now dances to his tune. By challenging their credibility, he forced Americans to see the press for what it often is: a biased, self-serving institution more interested in narratives than facts.
He didn’t destroy the media; they destroyed themselves. Trump just handed them the shovel.
