“It's easy to seem like a comms genius during a presidential honeymoon, but so far, Trump’s scattershot strategy is paying off. One CBS article about his immigration crackdown said Trump “invoked muscular presidential powers,” which is a bit like saying Jeffrey Dahmer, “displayed omnivorous taste.”
–David Lit, author and former Obama speechwriter
The mainstream press may get their facts right. But, in their savvy, they write around the truth.
Calling Trump “norm busting” or some version of this concept is also a popular way for reporters to describe his autocratic moves (when such moves and rhetoric are clearly unconstitutional).
Facts and truth are two different things. Some outlets, including the New York Times, are having difficulties bringing themselves to call a spade a spade.
aking your attention and money elsewhere, as many are, to serious nonprofit newsrooms popping up around the country, reliable Substacks, The Atlantic, Pro Publica, or fact-driven podcasts is the clearest message you can send to corporate media.
An example: The New York Times is a business. The quickest way to see change is action by its subscriber audience, which brings in more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Subscribers are in the driver’s seat. Go on social media to politely flag legitimate issues that matter or fill out this standard form. (I bet they actually do read submissions.) Drop chief growth and customer officer, Hannah Yang, a note on LinkedIn.
Just like any other product, if there are defects or you just don’t like the quality, say something. The squeaky wheel may get the grease.