The Media’s Trump Dilemma: How Journalism Lost Its Balance

The Dangerous Cycle of Media and Political Theater

In the ever-evolving landscape of American media, the relationship between former President Donald Trump and mainstream news outlets has become an entangled web of dependence, antagonism, and exploitation. We now face a critical juncture in American journalism—a reckoning over how the press covers political figures who consistently blur the line between fact and fiction.

Mainstream networks such as CNN, MSNBC, and even traditional broadsheets have struggled to strike a balance between exposing misinformation and profiting from the very outrage it generates. Trump, a master of media manipulation, has exploited this dynamic with stunning precision.

The Ratings Paradox: Profiting from Controversy

From the moment Trump descended the golden escalator in 2015, newsrooms saw a dramatic spike in viewership. Outlets gave unprecedented live coverage to his rallies, often without filter or fact-checking. The consequence? A media feedback loop that rewarded bombast and punished nuance.

“It may not be good for America, but it’s damn good for CBS,” then-CEO Les Moonves infamously said in 2016.

This confession revealed the inherent conflict of interest: higher ratings from Trump-related content created a disincentive for journalistic restraint.

Journalism vs. Entertainment: When News Becomes a Spectacle

The American public has been conditioned to view politics through the lens of entertainment. Trump’s flair for drama transformed press conferences into must-watch spectacles. With every outrageous claim, every combative exchange, networks extended airtime and amplified his voice.

This shift has diluted the standards of objectivity and public service that journalism once held sacred. Instead of confronting disinformation with clarity and consistency, many outlets resorted to panels, punditry, and sensational headlines that obscured truth beneath spectacle.

Media’s Credibility Crisis: A Self-Inflicted Wound

In attempting to navigate this complex media ecosystem, news organizations have alienated large segments of the population. Accusations of bias—whether fair or not—have led to record-low trust in the media.

According to Gallup, just 32% of Americans say they trust the media to report the news “fully, accurately and fairly.” This erosion of trust has created fertile ground for alternative media, conspiracy outlets, and social media echo chambers to flourish.

CNN’s Trump Town Hall: A Symptom of a Larger Problem

CNN’s controversial town hall with Trump in May 2023 reignited debate over platforming political figures who undermine democratic norms. Defenders of the event cited transparency and accountability. Critics, however, argued that it normalized extremism and gave Trump a stage to spread misinformation unchecked.

The optics of a supportive audience, a limited format, and a moderator unable to meaningfully challenge falsehoods showcased the network’s inability to balance journalism with spectacle.

Editorial Judgment in the Age of Disinformation

Media outlets must make critical decisions about who to platform, how to contextualize false claims, and when to draw the line. Elevating voices without adequate fact-checking or critical framing invites manipulation.

Editorial decisions can no longer be driven by ratings alone. The stakes are too high. Journalism must reclaim its purpose as a bulwark of democracy—not a conveyor belt for unfiltered propaganda.

The Way Forward: Restoring Integrity in Political Coverage

1. Prioritize Substance Over Soundbites

Newsrooms must shift focus from sensationalist snippets to in-depth reporting. Lengthier investigative pieces, verified sources, and historical context should replace panel debates and clickbait headlines.

2. Refuse to Amplify Disinformation

Not all speech deserves a megaphone. Journalists must make principled editorial decisions about which claims to report, and how to responsibly refute them. Falsehoods repeated without correction become normalized.

3. Invest in Media Literacy and Transparency

Educating the public on how journalism works—and where it fails—can rebuild trust. Outlets should be transparent about corrections, funding sources, and editorial standards.

4. Diversify Newsrooms and Audience Engagement

Broader representation within newsrooms leads to better understanding of varied perspectives. Engaging communities directly can bridge the disconnect between journalists and those they serve.

Conclusion: Journalism Must Choose Its Identity

The Trump era has forced media organizations to confront a fundamental question: Are they entertainers or informers?

There is no neutral stance in the face of persistent lies. Journalistic neutrality does not mean giving equal weight to truth and falsehood. It means pursuing the truth without fear, favor, or profit motive.

If the media continues to prioritize ratings over responsibility, it will not only undermine public trust—it will jeopardize the very foundations of a democratic society.

The moment demands courage, clarity, and commitment to principles—not a return to the status quo.