President-elect Donald Trump has continuously criticized the work of journalists since beginning his run for presidency. He has tweeted condescending and unfiltered opinions about the work of journalism and other controversial topics such as immigration, the work of President Obama and many more.
In 2005 in an interview with Billy Bush, previously of Access Hollywood, Trump was recorded on video basically bragging about inappropriately touching women and how he can get away with it because he’s a celebrity and that celebrities can get away with anything. This might be why Trump doesn’t like journalists. He probably doesn’t like that they cover important and newsworthy articles that the public should know about, which is their job.
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On Jan. 12, he tweeted, “@CNN is in a total meltdown with their FAKE NEWS because their ratings are tanking since election and their credibility will soon be gone!” Trump consistently refers to journalism as “fake news” and attacks any media platform that negatively covers anything he does. His twitter is full of cyber bullying journalists and attacks on the journalists that have written about him.
Another tweet from Dec. 5, 2016 said, “if the press would cover me accurately & honorably, I would have far less reason to “tweet.” Sadly, I don’t know if that will ever happen!” Does Trump not realize that here is the proof of the “lies” and “jokes” he makes? Can he not face the truth of what his actions portray not only to journalists, but to everyone?
Trump can’t expect everyone to like him. He lacks the ability to take criticism and to handle the perspective that people have of him. His childish attitude deems him unfit to handle the repercussions of being a public figure. If he wants journalists to cover him accurately, then Trump should stand at the podium and allow the journalists to ask their questions and answer it straightforward, detailed, and accurately, without throwing back accusations and hateful words.
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Many famous people have their moment in the spotlight where heavy gossip and news coverage of them occur. Most of them handle it professionally and with grace. Trump is a narcissist, who loves having the attention on him. Journalists could cover him as accurate and thoroughly as they can and he will still find something to attack them on.
The attacks toward journalists are getting old. Trump repeats everything he says. He’s always using accusations of “FAKE NEWS” to degrade journalism. He holds a stubborn grudge. When you turn on the news, there’s always coverage the same topic of how Trump said this or that. Enough is enough, Donald Trump. It’s time for you to focus on things that matter like climate change, the money that we owe China or a plan for dealing with ISIS. Sadly though, I don’t think Trump will ever stop antagonizing journalists.
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