Uncovering the Polarization Between Trump and Mainstream Media in America

American flag with a crack in the middle.

Donald Trump’s battle with mainstream media has deepened the political divide in America, with trust in news outlets at an all-time low.

At a Glance

  • Nearly 75% of U.S. adults believe the news media increases political polarization
  • Just under half of Americans have little to no trust in the media’s ability to report news fairly
  • 40% of Americans think the press is hurting democracy, while only 20% believe it protects it
  • Republicans are more likely than Democrats to view the media as harmful to democracy
  • 60% of respondents believe the media is responsible for spreading misinformation

The Erosion of Trust in Mainstream Media

The relationship between Donald Trump and the mainstream media has been tumultuous, to say the least. This ongoing conflict has highlighted and exacerbated the deep-seated political divisions in America. A recent study reveals that nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults believe the news media is increasing political polarization, a stark contrast to the era when Walter Cronkite was considered the most trusted man in America.

The trust deficit in media is particularly pronounced among Republicans. A 2023 survey found that while 26% of Democrats have little to no trust in the news media, this figure skyrockets to 60% among Republicans. This partisan divide in media trust reflects the broader political polarization in the country.

The Impact of Trump’s “Fake News” Narrative

Donald Trump’s consistent labeling of mainstream media as “fake news” has had a profound impact on public perception. This rhetoric has resonated with many Americans, particularly conservatives, who have long harbored suspicions about media bias. As a result, 40% of Americans now believe the press is actively harming democracy, while only 20% think it serves as a protective force.

“Everyone tells a different story. The media does nothing but stir up fear. For me, and for most of the people I know, we feel like we’re totally in the dark,” says Janis Fort, a retired Republican living in Navarre, Florida.

This sentiment is echoed by many Americans who feel disconnected from traditional news sources. The rise of alternative media outlets and social media platforms has further fragmented the information landscape, making it increasingly difficult for Americans to find common ground on basic facts.

The Role of Media in Spreading Misinformation

While Trump has been a vocal critic of the media, the public’s concerns about misinformation extend beyond his accusations. About 9 in 10 U.S. adults see misinformation as a problem, with 60% of respondents believing that the media bears responsibility for its spread. This widespread concern about the accuracy of news reporting has led many Americans to seek alternative sources of information.

“The news riles people up, You’re better off Googling something and learning about it. I trust the internet more than I do the TV,” – says Democrat Barbara Jordan.

This shift away from traditional news outlets towards online sources and social media has its own set of challenges. While these platforms offer a wider range of perspectives, they also facilitate the rapid spread of unverified information and can create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs.

The Path Forward

The current state of media distrust and political polarization presents significant challenges for American democracy. Experts warn of a crisis due to the lack of a shared reality, which affects not only the political process but also the ability of citizens to coexist peacefully. To address these issues, some suggest focusing on supporting nonprofit media, increasing funding for local journalism, and developing more effective strategies to combat disinformation.

As the nation grapples with these challenges, it’s clear that rebuilding trust in media and bridging the political divide will require concerted efforts from both media organizations and the public. The future of American democracy may well depend on our ability to find common ground and restore faith in our shared institutions.

Sources:

  1. https://apnews.com/article/poll-misinformation-polarization-coronavirus-media-d56a25fd8dfd9abe1389b56d7e82b873
  2. https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2017/10/02/covering-president-trump-in-a-polarized-media-environment/
  3. https://www.cjr.org/the_media_today/trump_incoherent_media_sanewashing.php
  4. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/trumps-war-on-fake-news-could-actually-make-the-mainstream-media-stronger/
  5. https://www.rutgers.edu/news/how-trump-shaped-media
  6. https://pjmedia.com/stephen-kruiser/2024/10/22/msm-hacks-are-too-isolated-and-ignorant-to-grasp-how-many-americans-despise-them-n4933513
  7. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/exploring-the-links-between-political-polarization-and-declining-trust-in-news-media
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