In 2025, the contentious relationship between Donald Trump and the media continues to dominate headlines. As Trump’s second term unfolds, the battle between the administration and the press raises critical questions about media misinformation, media freedom, and the role of bias in shaping public perception of Trump’s enduring popularity.
Media Misinformation in the Trump Era
Trump has long branded unfavorable media coverage as “fake news,” a term he used nearly 2,000 times during his first term to dismiss critical reports from outlets like CNN and The New York Times. This rhetoric has fueled a narrative of widespread media misinformation. A 2019 Pew Research study highlighted that 62% of Americans believed the media exaggerated risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, a sentiment Trump capitalized on to undermine press credibility. However, the Washington Post documented 30,573 false or misleading claims by Trump during his first term, averaging 21 daily, suggesting that misinformation flows both ways. The clash between Trump’s narrative and media reporting continues to erode public trust, with Gallup noting trust in media at an all-time low of 32% in 2025.
Media Freedom Under Threat: Trump’s First 100 Days in 2025
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a report on April 30, 2025, titled “Alarm Bells: Trump’s First 100 Days Ramp Up Fear for the Press, Democracy,” highlighting unprecedented threats to media freedom. The report details a “flurry of executive actions” that create a chilling effect on journalists, including limiting access to information, instituting new regulations, and targeting newsrooms with lawsuits and investigations. CPJ notes a significant increase in newsrooms seeking safety advice, fearing retribution from authorities. The administration’s moves, such as politicizing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and launching investigations into major networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC, signal a broader strategy to curb independent reporting. CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg warns, “Journalists are always the first to be attacked when democracy declines,” urging all levels of government to safeguard press freedom to secure democracy’s future.
Globally, the U.S. actions set a dangerous precedent. The CPJ report notes that authoritarian rulers are emboldened by Trump’s policies, with the gutting of the U.S. Agency for Global Media leading to the termination of thousands of journalist positions worldwide. This not only weakens the U.S. as a beacon of press freedom but also impoverishes news ecosystems in regions where information is already restricted.
Media Bias Against Trump’s Popularity
Despite these challenges, Trump’s popularity remains robust among his base, a fact often at odds with media portrayals. A 2017 Harvard study showed 80% negative coverage of Trump in his first 100 days, while a 2024 post on X by @MarioNawfal cited ABC, CBS, and NBC giving Trump only 15% positive coverage compared to Kamala Harris’ 78% during the 2024 election cycle—a 63-point gap, the most unbalanced in recent history. In 2025, the Media Research Center (MRC) reported 100% negative coverage of Trump’s team in his first 100 days, as noted in a post by @Big_Orange44 on X. This persistent negativity fuels perceptions of bias, with many supporters viewing the media as an “enemy of the people,” a phrase Trump has popularized.
However, this bias narrative may oversimplify the issue. Trump’s own actions, such as filing a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS and threatening similar legal action against ABC and NBC, as reported by @RichardBlasi100 on X, indicate an aggressive stance against the press. These moves, coupled with regulatory pressure through the FCC, suggest a calculated effort to control media narratives, which some argue justifies critical coverage. Yet, the CPJ warns that such actions risk normalizing attacks on press freedom, potentially causing long-lasting damage to democratic institutions.
The Impact on Public Perception and Democracy
The Media vs. Trump saga has profound implications for democracy. The CPJ report emphasizes that the fate of American democracy and journalists’ ability to work without fear are intertwined. Public sentiment on X reflects this tension, with users like @dsmj1010 noting that half the country still relies on major networks for news, despite their negative portrayal of Trump. This divide deepens polarization, as Trump’s base grows increasingly distrustful of mainstream media, while others see his attacks on the press as authoritarian.
The CPJ calls for urgent action, including passing the PRESS Act and the Free Speech Protection Act to strengthen press freedom. They also advocate for transparency in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and global diplomacy to promote journalist safety, recognizing the press’s indispensable role in democracy.
Complex interplay of misinformation
The Media vs. Trump battle in 2025 reveals a complex interplay of misinformation, threats to media freedom, and perceived bias against Trump’s popularity. While Trump’s rhetoric and actions have undoubtedly contributed to a hostile media environment, the press must also reflect on its role in maintaining credibility amidst accusations of bias. As CPJ warns, the erosion of press freedom threatens not just journalists but the foundation of democracy itself. Balancing accountability with independence remains a critical challenge for both the media and the administration as this saga continues to unfold.
References
- Committee to Protect Journalists, “Alarm Bells: Trump’s First 100 Days Ramp Up Fear for the Press, Democracy,” April 30, 2025.
- Public sentiment and media bias statistics from posts on X, including @MarioNawfal, @Big_Orange44, @RichardBlasi100, and @dsmj1010.
- Historical data on Trump’s false claims from The Washington Post and media trust from Gallup and Pew Research studies.
