

Nixon Dreamed of Breaking the Media. Trump Is Doing It.
513 snips Mar 25, 2025
Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The New York Times, dives into President Trump's unprecedented tactics against the media. He discusses how Trump's strategies echo Nixon's efforts to control the press and weaken its role in democracy. The conversation also explores the evolution of media dynamics, highlighting the impact of social media and the rise of sensationalism. Rutenberg emphasizes the pressing challenges journalists face in maintaining integrity amid political intimidation and the ongoing battle for authenticity in news.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Nixon's Media Frustration
- Nixon's frustration with the independent press fueled his desire to control the media narrative.
- This struggle mirrors Trump's current relationship with the press.
Trump's Media Bypass
- Trump circumvents mainstream media using platforms like X (formerly Twitter), now a powerful megaphone under Elon Musk.
- This offers direct access to his base, unlike anything Nixon could've imagined.
Trump and Rogan
- Trump's appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast garnered over 50 million views on YouTube alone.
- Rogan's endorsement further solidified Trump's reach within the "manosphere."