Trump in alliance with Fox News
In the 2020 presidential election, Fox News stood apart from other news outlets, with its coverage heavily favouring Donald Trump's candidacy. This trend extended beyond the election, as Fox News has played a significant role in shaping Trump's political career and the spread of Trumpism.
The network's coverage often portrayed Trump as a strong, authoritative leader who follows through on promises and rebuilds American confidence, bolstering his momentum and peak authority. Fox News highlighted Trump's decisive actions, such as border security and national security measures, reinforcing his image among supporters and maintaining his relevance in political discourse.
Fox News opinion and commentary often framed Trump's policies and agenda as a return to American strength and prosperity, helping to legitimise and sustain his political influence even when he was not on the ballot. This coverage amplified Trump's impact indirectly by shaping voter perceptions and party dynamics, contributing to high engagement and turnout, particularly within Republican circles.
The network's positive framing also served to consolidate the base of Trumpism by reinforcing narratives around policies like government spending cuts and institutional reforms associated with Trump’s administration and allies, such as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been linked to Trump’s agenda and has tangible effects on regions like Northern Virginia.
However, Fox News is not monolithic in its coverage. Moments of critical reporting or shock, such as the surprising jobs report coverage by Maria Bartiromo, reveal instances that present challenges to Trump's image, though such instances are less frequent.
During the trial, Fox News presented a more positive image of Trump through selective reporting. Co-Host, Jeanine Pirro, criticised the judge and the prosecutor, claiming they were part of a coordinated effort against Trump and suggesting the trial was filled with errors that should be overturned on appeal. Fox News also covered the verdict of Trump's trial with reactions from Republicans, such as Andy McCarthy and Jeanine Pirro, who suggested the trial was politically motivated.
Fox News's coverage of the trial reinforced the views of Trump's supporters and contributed to the broader polarization and distrust in media and judicial institutions. The network's editorial position during the trial was to portray it as politically driven and to selectively report on the proceedings.
Fox News's relationship with Trump was evident during both of his presidential campaigns and his time in office. The symbiotic partnership between Trump and Fox News changed the media landscape by obfuscating the distinction between advocacy and journalism.
A 2021 survey found that 53% of Republicans consider Fox News to be the most accurate and trustable news source, highlighting the network's influence among conservative audiences. However, the network's coverage of the trial eroded trust in the legal system by implying that it is influenced by divisive agendas.
In conclusion, Fox News has acted as a pivotal platform that sustains and amplifies Trumpism by promoting Trump’s policies and persona as central to America's future, influencing both public opinion and electoral dynamics and helping to maintain Trump’s prominence in U.S. politics. This coverage has contributed to the broader spread of Trumpian political ideals and the ongoing mobilization of his supporter base.
- Fox News' editorial opinion, especially during the 2020 presidential election and Trump's post-election career, frequently emphasized Trump as a strong leader who delivers on his promises, thereby enhancing his political influence.
- The network's coverage frequently portrayed Trump's policies as a means to restore America's strength and prosperity, contributing significantly to the legitimization and sustainability of his political power.
- Fox News' photography and reporting have often highlighted Trump's decisive actions, such as border security and national security measures, reinforcing his image among supporters and keeping him relevant in political discourse.
- Fox News' editorial position on general-news events, like Trump's trial, has often reinforced the views of his supporters and contributed to broader polarization, distrust, and skepticism towards media and judicial institutions.