Former President Donald Trump stirred up another wave of controversy during a recent press event at the U.S. Capitol. When a CNN reporter attempted to press him on a statement, Trump swiftly cut her off, branding the outlet as “fake news.” “No. I didn’t say you. You’re CNN. Fake news. Go ahead,” he shot back, redirecting attention to another reporter. This moment, which elicited laughter from his supporters, rapidly circulated on social media. One user remarked, “These moments will NEVER get old,” highlighting the now-familiar dynamic between Trump and the press.
This exchange comes against a backdrop of rising tensions between Trump and mainstream media, particularly following his posting of an AI-generated video that depicted Democratic leaders in a derogatory light. The clip, which surfaced on Truth Social and X, heavily distorted the appearances and voices of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, conveying a message that suggested Democrats might be courting undocumented immigrants for future votes by offering them health care.
In the manipulated video, a harsh portrayal of Schumer states, “If we give all these illegal aliens free health care, we might be able to get ‘em on our side so they can vote for us.” Such content provoked sharp backlash from Democratic leaders. Representative Madeleine Dean confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill, demanding he condemn the video. “Not your style? It’s disgraceful. It’s bigoted. It’s racist. You should call it out,” she declared during a heated exchange, demonstrating how charged the political atmosphere has become.
Johnson, however, sidestepped the issue, suggesting that the focus should be on more pressing matters, like government funding. “The fight tonight is not about social media posts,” he remarked to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, indicating a reluctance to engage with the very real consequences of what Trump’s video represents. His response underscores a growing divide in how both parties are interpreting the role of media and communication strategies in politics.
Trump’s ongoing battle with the national press is not a new phenomenon. Earlier this year, during a White House cabinet meeting, he took aim at ABC News, flatly stating he doesn’t take questions from “ABC fake news.” This strategy of discrediting media outlets he perceives as hostile while favoring others he views as fair is well documented. Recently, Trump indicated that he might be open to an interview with CBS, pointing to changes in leadership following a significant lawsuit settlement. “I just want them to be ‘fair,’” he said, showing his desire for a level of coverage that aligns with his narrative.
In the wake of the backlash against the AI video, Senator Roger Marshall dismissed criticisms, characterizing the post as a mere joke. Yet, the timing of this video is crucial. It emerges in a period brimming with high-stakes discussions surrounding health care, immigration, and government funding—issues that are central to many Americans, especially those feeling the crunch of changing policies and priorities. Even as Trump and his associates continue to spread narratives that Democrats are prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens, the facts present a more nuanced picture. For instance, federal laws limit Medicaid and ACA benefits strictly to those with lawful presence, and misinformation around these policies could lead to harmful consequences.
Democratic leaders did not hold back in their criticism of the AI video. Jeffries confronted Trump directly, while Schumer offered blunt commentary, describing Trump’s behavior online as “trolling away like a 10-year-old.” These responses underscore the frustration felt by many as Trump wields humor and manipulation as tools for political advantage. Their frustration also illustrates the broader implications of such content, which can reinforce political divisions and misunderstandings.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s communications playbook has come under scrutiny. During a speech earlier this year in Sarasota, Florida, he openly admitted his strategy: “If you say it enough and keep saying it, they’ll start to believe you.” This admission reflects a longstanding tactic described in works like The Art of the Deal, where he touts the concept of “truthful hyperbole” as an effective means of persuasion. Recent polling data corroborates this approach. A Reuters/Ipsos survey from May 2023 found that 61% of Republican voters still believe the 2020 election was rigged despite a lack of evidence for widespread fraud.
In Trump’s view, media acts as both an antagonist and a vehicle for validation. This dynamic is crucial to understand as he portrays himself as the sole arbiter of truth, while labeling any dissenting opinion as “fake.” The incident involving CNN exemplifies this strategy perfectly. Using sensational interactions, altered videos, and scathing remarks about reporters, Trump seeks to solidify his narrative, positioning himself as a champion of “real” news against what he claims to be a corrupt media landscape.
For many watching this exchange—and similar interactions—the moments are emblematic of a larger political narrative. Trump refuses to adhere to traditional media norms and instead manipulates the discourse to his advantage. As the 2024 election approaches, discussions surrounding media ethics, immigration, and health care will likely escalate, with Trump’s approach to communications continuing to be a focal point. These exchanges serve not only as entertainment fodder but also as critical reflections of the shifting nature of political engagement in the digital realm.
"*" indicates required fields
