As the political circus rolls on, one name that never seems to leave the spotlight is none other than Donald Trump. The former President recently treated us to one of his classic performances, where he took center stage and did what he does best: taking aim at the mainstream media, particularly CNN. While President Biden tends to shy away from one-on-one interviews, Trump barrels in, microphone in hand, ready to call out what he perceives as media bias and fake news.
During his energetic exchange, Trump decided it was time to school the press on their alleged shortcomings. He wasted no time in pointing out why he believes CNN has lost its audience, arguing that their lack of credibility is a major part of the problem. In Trump’s world, calling CNN fake news has become almost a catchphrase, and this time, he was not holding back.
As the back-and-forth continued, Trump hit a peak when he refused to answer a question posed by a CNN journalist. With a swift rebuttal, he moved on to the next question, maintaining his stance that CNN does not print the truth. It’s moments like these that add to his showmanship—a mix of ignoring, redirecting, and sometimes, outright dismissing the questions he doesn’t feel like answering.
While he didn’t play favorites, he did manage to side-step some tough questions about tariffs and national security, turning the tables with quips and backhanded compliments. Trump seemed to enjoy the surprise he conjured when selecting a reporter who wasn’t expecting to be called upon, adding a layer of unpredictability to the entire charade. His blend of zingers and front-row seat jabs kept the session as unpredictable as ever.
It’s this brash style and ability to confront opponents head-on that keeps Trump’s name in the news, for better or worse. His unfiltered approach resonates with a segment of the public who feels their grievances are not addressed by the mainstream media. Whether it’s an act or genuine conviction, for Trump, the media is a stage, and he’s going to perform his part with gusto, no matter the audience.