Trump’s Eruption of Rage at NYT Offers Unnerving Hint of What’s Coming
Nov 27, 2024
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In this discussion, Margaret Sullivan, former public editor at The New York Times and author of the Substack "American Crisis," delves into Donald Trump's recent outburst against the Times. She analyzes Trump's escalating demands for media loyalty and the potential ramifications for press freedom. The conversation highlights the challenges journalists face in maintaining integrity amid political pressure and explores strategies Trump might use to manipulate coverage. Sullivan offers insights on the urgent need for accountability in journalism during such politically charged times.
Trump's recent outrage at the New York Times reflects a dangerous desire for media submission and threatens journalistic independence.
The podcast highlights the potential for increased self-censorship among journalists due to fear of intimidation from a Trump administration.
Deep dives
Trump's Media Control Mentality
Donald Trump exhibited a profound misunderstanding of the media’s role when he expressed outrage at the New York Times for not yielding to his narrative. He believes that, having won the election, the press should submit and provide flattering coverage, as demonstrated by his demand for an apology for unfavorable stories. This mentality reveals a dangerous precedent for his potential presidency, where he might pressure the media to conform to his expectations rather than serve as an independent check on power. The implications of this attitude suggest that journalists may face increased harassment and intimidation from a Trump administration that could view dissent as a personal affront.
Threats to Journalistic Integrity
Trump's potential second term poses significant risks to journalistic integrity, as he may utilize state power to exert control over the media. This could include threats against broadcast licenses and attempts to charge journalists under laws like the Espionage Act for publishing classified information. Such actions would not only intimidate the press but may lead to actual legal repercussions for journalists, fostering an environment of self-censorship due to fear of retribution. This systematic bullying could undermine the watchdog role of the media, an essential component of a functioning democracy.
Self-Censorship and Media Dynamics
The podcast discusses concerns over how media organizations may react to Trump's aggression toward the press, particularly regarding self-censorship among journalists. Editors at major outlets, facing constant criticism from various political angles, may become overly cautious in their reporting to avoid being labeled biased or alienating a sizable audience. This dynamic may lead to a reluctance to cover contentious issues aggressively, resulting in a diluted narrative that fails to hold power accountable. Ultimately, the call for journalistic courage becomes crucial as the media navigates a challenging landscape where intimidation and public perception significantly influence their reporting.
This week, Donald Trump erupted in fury at The New York Times. He appeared triggered by a story about a Trump aide named Natalie Harp, who serves as his gatekeeper with creepy levels of devotion. What caught our eye is that in his rant, Trump demanded that TheTimes show obeisance to him because he won the election, perhaps providing an early glimpse of how he will seek to cow the media into submission. We talked to Margaret Sullivan, the former Times public editor and author of the great Substack “American Crisis,” who explains what Trump’s crackdown on the press might look like—and how well the media will respond to it.