The Excerpt: Forum – Trump Fatigue? A Nation Divided on Media Coverage

Introduction:

In a special bonus episode released on March 17, 2025, The Excerpt podcast, a product of USA TODAY, delved into a topic that has permeated American society for years: media coverage of former President Donald Trump. The episode, titled "Forum," is part of a new series by USA TODAY’s Opinion team, aiming to provide a platform for diverse perspectives on issues that deeply divide the nation. The central question posed to the public was a simple yet profound one: is there too much coverage of Donald Trump? Are Americans experiencing "Trump fatigue?"

The episode features voices from across the country, representing a range of ages, backgrounds, and political affiliations. These individuals share their personal experiences and perspectives on the media’s portrayal of the former president, offering insights into the complex relationship between politics, the press, and the American public.

Michael McCarter Introduces the Discussion:

Michael McCarter, Vice President and Group Editor of the Opinion sections of Gannett, USA TODAY’s parent company, introduces the episode. He emphasizes the goal of "Forum" – to showcase a wide range of viewpoints on contentious issues. McCarter acknowledges the omnipresent nature of Trump-related news, noting how difficult it is to navigate daily life without encountering coverage of the former president. This constant exposure, he suggests, has led to the question of whether the saturation has reached a point of fatigue or oversaturation among the public.

KC Green: Less Coverage, More Fact-Checking:

KC Green, a 64-year-old resident of Cornelius, North Carolina, expresses a desire for less Trump coverage. Green believes that there is more to life than constantly listening to Donald Trump and the endless discussions surrounding him. He criticizes Trump for cherry-picking isolated incidents and using them to fuel his rhetoric, citing a speech where Trump allegedly highlighted instances of young women being accosted by undocumented immigrants. Green points out the lack of statistical evidence to support the assertion that undocumented immigrants are the primary perpetrators of such crimes, suggesting that Trump’s impulsivity and lack of thoughtful consideration lead to problematic pronouncements.

Green also laments the shift in news coverage since his youth. He recalls a time when nightly news programs might not even mention the president. Now, he observes, a significant portion of a newscast is dedicated to the former president. Green acknowledges the existence of biases in different news outlets, with CNN and MSNBC leaning one way, and Fox News and Newsmax leaning another. He implores the media to focus less on amplifying Trump’s statements and more on rigorous fact-checking. Green believes that constant fact-checking is crucial to combating the spread of misinformation and preventing people from being misled by Trump’s alleged lies.

Phillip Thomas: In Support of Trump’s Actions:

Phillip Thomas, a 54-year-old from Senoia, Georgia, stands in stark contrast to KC Green. Thomas states that he is not tired of Trump coverage. He believes that Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises and expresses satisfaction with his actions. While not entirely aligned with Trump on every issue, Thomas is generally supportive of his agenda. He highlights Trump’s active approach to governance, contrasting it with what he perceives as the inaction of previous administrations.

Thomas criticizes the media’s negative slant on Trump-related stories. He suggests that the press often focuses on negative aspects, such as job losses in the federal government, instead of highlighting positive outcomes, such as potential cost savings. Thomas believes that media coverage is overwhelmingly "anti-Trump" and that stories are consistently slanted against him, regardless of the topic. He defends Trump by acknowledging his imperfections but emphasizing his commitment to putting "America first." Thomas cites the reduction in spending on foreign aid, particularly to Ukraine, as an example of Trump prioritizing American needs.

Judith Hawk: A Master of Media Manipulation:

Judith Hawk, an 85-year-old residing in Mesa, Arizona, acknowledges the constant presence of Trump in the media for the past eight years. She attributes this to Trump’s strategic use of the media to his advantage. As president, he had direct access to the press, allowing him to shape narratives and control the flow of information.

Hawk expresses concern about the difficulty of presenting factual information to counteract what she perceives as misinformation disseminated by the Trump administration. She believes that Trump has avoided accountability for his actions and that mainstream media outlets struggle to break through to his supporters with factual reporting and critical analysis. Hawk is frustrated by the media’s struggle to hold Trump accountable. She calls for less coverage of irrelevant or gossipy aspects of Trump’s life and more focus on substantive issues related to his administration. Hawk suggests that much of the coverage focuses on Trump’s celebrity persona rather than his administrative actions.

Janell Mullen: A Staunch Supporter:

Janell Mullen, a 63-year-old from Port St. Lucie, Florida, expresses enthusiastic support for Trump and his media coverage. She says she is not tired of it at all and would welcome 24/7 coverage. Mullen believes that Trump is misunderstood by the American people and that his background as a businessman, rather than a politician, is not fully appreciated. She admires his tenacity and transparency.

Mullen argues that the media unfairly picks out negative aspects of Trump’s personality and actions. She attributes this to his boisterous nature and unconventional approach as a businessman. Mullen calls for more fairness in the coverage of Trump and less criticism. She believes that the media should acknowledge that Trump is the American president and deserves a more balanced portrayal.

Conclusion:

The "Forum" episode of The Excerpt provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and often contradictory opinions surrounding media coverage of Donald Trump. The voices presented in the episode reveal a nation deeply divided on the role of the press, the interpretation of facts, and the legacy of the former president. The podcast’s creators encourage listeners to share their own thoughts and opinions by emailing [email protected] and to consider submitting their views to the "Forum" section of USA TODAY’s website, potentially contributing to future episodes and print publications. The episode concludes with Michael McCarter thanking listeners and reminding them that Taylor Wilson will return with another episode of The Excerpt the following morning. The dialogue opened by this episode illustrates the enduring impact Donald Trump has on American discourse and the ongoing challenge of navigating a complex media landscape.