In a scathing critique, media columnist Margaret Sullivan argues that the mainstream press has largely normalized Donald Trump's second presidency, treating his constant outrages as 'priced in' and simply 'Trump being Trump.'
A Litany of Abuses
Sullivan lists a series of alarming behaviors: unhinged social media posts, apparent dozing in meetings, boastful disregard for Americans' finances in Iran talks, and relentless lies about a war he initiated. She cites the ruination of the Kennedy Center, the controversial ballroom or bunker replacing the White House East Wing, and the Supreme Court's assault on Black voting rights. Self-dealing and weaponization of the Justice Department round out the picture.
Media's Muted Response
Despite these excesses, Sullivan contends that major media outlets fail to sustain focus. She quotes observer Jamesetta Williams, who notes the irony that journalists forced Biden out for being too old, yet ignore Trump's age and instability. Trump turns 80 next month, facing no apparent restraints.
Some stories do break through, like the New York Times' coverage of Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' to compensate allies, including January 6 rioters. The Times quoted a watchdog calling it 'one of the single most corrupt acts in American history,' but a sub-headline distanced itself with 'critics.' Sullivan laments the use of 'weasel words.'
Shrugs and Shifting Focus
Mainstream media largely shrugged, with NBC's evening newscast quickly moving on to other stories. Fox News gave cursory coverage, mostly handing the microphone to Trump allies. Sullivan acknowledges a few pieces on Trump's decline, like Jonathan Lemire's in the Atlantic, but says they garnered little attention.
The Problem of Overload
One challenge is the sheer volume of outrages. Journalists gear up for one scandal only to be overwhelmed by another. Sullivan cites Steve Bannon's strategy: 'Flood the zone with shit'—a highly effective technique. Overwhelmed citizens may hide their heads in the sand, and corporate media remains distractible and deferential, benefiting from constant outrage.
Independent Voices Speak
Sullivan points to independent journalists like Terry Moran, formerly of ABC News, who called the slush fund 'plunder' and urged mainstream media to drop 'weasel words.' Moran described shielding Trump's tax history as 'breathtakingly corrupt.' Such clarity, Sullivan notes, is absent from evening news.
She concludes that by the time readers see this, the media will have already moved on.
