Trump’s Unyielding Grip on the News Cycle: From Media Scuffles to Foreign Policy Maneuvering
Donald Trump’s ability to command the news cycle remains as potent as ever, a phenomenon fueled by his combative relationship with the media, his penchant for the dramatic, and his innate understanding of how to leverage controversy to his advantage. Whether he’s lambasting journalists, floating unconventional ideas, or engaging in high-stakes diplomacy, Trump’s actions and pronouncements dominate headlines, often overshadowing other critical events.
One recent example highlighting this dynamic is the retraction issued by The Associated Press. The wire service, already embroiled in a legal battle with the Trump administration, published an inaccurate story claiming that U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were "very good friends." The statement was false; Gabbard had been referencing Trump’s relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The AP’s subsequent withdrawal of the story served as a significant embarrassment and provided Trump with an opportunity to criticize the media, further solidifying his narrative of biased reporting.
Trump, never one to let an opportunity pass, seized on the AP’s error to reinforce his existing attacks on the media. Just days before, during an appearance at the Kennedy Center, Trump refused to engage with an NBC reporter, declaring the network "discredited." His team even amplified the moment by posting it online with "mic drop" emojis, showcasing Trump’s willingness to escalate tensions with organizations he deems hostile.
This constant engagement, even antagonism, with the media is a deliberate strategy, and it’s one that’s served Trump well throughout his career. As the author of this piece notes, Trump has been adept at turning negative publicity into an advantage for over three decades. His detractors, in their attempts to critique him, often play into his hands, reinforcing his central themes and engaging on his preferred battleground.
Trump’s influence extends beyond political clashes; he also exerts a strong influence on cultural events. While visiting the Kennedy Center, he casually suggested hosting the annual awards show himself, a move made easier by his removal of Democratic board members. He confidently predicted that his involvement would lead to skyrocketing ratings, tapping into his understanding of entertainment and public attention. Trump, who once harbored aspirations of becoming a Broadway producer, now envisions the Kennedy Center focusing on producing "Broadway hits," signaling a desire to reshape even this institution in his image.
His actions go beyond pronouncements. Trump’s administration released 80,000 pages of previously classified JFK assassination files, asking for no redactions. The act provided fodder for endless media discussion, further cementing the idea that Trump can shape discourse with relative ease.
Even Trump’s social media pronouncements can trigger national debates and high-level responses. His recent attack on Judge James Boasberg, who halted the deportation of Venezuelan gang members, drew a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts. Trump called for Boasberg’s impeachment. Roberts, in his statement, reminded Trump that disagreement with judicial decisions is not grounds for impeachment and that normal appellate review processes exist for such circumstances. Despite the criticism, Trump’s initial posting had already captured public attention and stirred controversy.
Furthermore, Trump continues to engage in personal attacks on journalists, a tactic that has become a hallmark of his public persona. After Ashley Parker, formerly of the New York Times and Washington Post, requested an interview, Trump denigrated her as a "Radical Left Lunatic" incapable of fair and unbiased reporting. He also brought up the 2020 election, implying that she would need to accept his unsubstantiated claims of victory to conduct a successful interview. In doing so, Trump not only attacked Parker’s professional integrity but also reiterated his disputed claims about the election.
Trump’s recent 90-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin underscores his capacity to influence international relations and dominate the foreign policy narrative. According to Trump, the two leaders discussed improved bilateral relations, a potential ceasefire in Ukraine focused on energy and infrastructure, and the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. They agreed to engage in technical negotiations regarding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a full ceasefire for permanent peace. While these proposed agreements may appear significant on the surface, they are subject to negotiations, offering the Kremlin an opportunity to prolong the conflict and solidify territorial gains.
The author asserts that Trump gained relatively little from the call, securing only a 30-day pause in attacks on energy plants and infrastructure. The other proposals remain contingent on future negotiations.
Despite the potential shortcomings of these agreements, the call itself generated substantial media coverage, allowing Trump to portray himself as a key player in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and re-establish relations with Russia. Even when faced with negative coverage or criticism, Trump maintains his grip on the news cycle. Whether he’s launching attacks or defending himself, he remains the central figure in the ongoing political drama.
The author concludes by emphasizing Trump’s pervasive influence, extending even to culture and sports. As the ratings-driven president prepares to host the Kennedy Center honors, his ability to shape events and drive the news remains undiminished. His understanding of media dynamics, combined with his willingness to court controversy, ensures that he remains at the forefront of the public consciousness, regardless of the nature of the news surrounding him.
