Here’s what “Fake News” or “Fake Media,” as described by Donald Trump, typically refers to, how he uses the term, and the broader implications.
What Trump means by “Fake Media”
– General usage: Trump uses “fake news/media” to label coverage he says is false, biased, misleading, or unfair to him and his allies.
– Targets: Often major outlets like CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC, ABC, CBS, and sometimes Fox News (depending on coverage).
– Scope: It can refer to specific stories he disputes, anonymous-source reporting, unfavorable polls, editorials, or broader narratives he considers hostile.
Common patterns in his usage
– Bias critique: He argues many mainstream outlets have a liberal or anti-Trump bias and selectively frame stories to hurt him.
– Accuracy disputes: He brands specific reports as fake when he claims facts are wrong or sources are unreliable.
– Delegitimizing negative coverage: Even when facts aren’t in dispute, he may call coverage fake if it’s unfavorable or emphasizes negative interpretations.
– Rally rhetoric: The phrase is a staple at rallies and on social media to energize supporters and create an in-group/out-group dynamic.
– “Enemy of the people”: At times he has paired “fake news” with phrases like “enemy of the people,” intensifying the critique of certain outlets.
Examples of what he’s labeled “fake”
– Reporting based on anonymous officials or leaked documents (he often says such sources are invented).
– Coverage of investigations involving him (e.g., Russia probe, impeachment-related stories).
– Polls showing him trailing or approval ratings he disputes.
– Headlines or chyrons he argues are misleading or omit exculpatory context.
How this differs from the academic/standard definition
– Standard: “Fake news” usually means fabricated or intentionally false content designed to deceive (e.g., made-up stories, deepfakes, troll farms).
– Trump’s usage: Much broader—includes content he considers biased, unfair, or wrong, not necessarily fabricated. It’s a label for disputed or critical journalism as much as for actual falsehoods.
Why the term resonated with his base
– Preexisting distrust: Longstanding skepticism among conservatives toward mainstream media.
– Agenda-setting critique: Perception that elite media set narratives that marginalize outsider candidates.
– Media errors: High-profile mistakes by outlets (later corrected) reinforced claims of bias.
– Populist framing: Portrays himself as battling entrenched institutions on behalf of supporters.
Critiques of Trump’s framing
– Chilling effect: Journalists and press-freedom groups warn that branding critical coverage “fake” can undermine trust in independent media.
– Conflation risk: Blurs the difference between bias/mistakes and outright fabrication, making it harder for the public to identify real disinformation.
– International ripple: Some leaders abroad adopted similar language to discredit critical reporting.
How to evaluate “fake” claims as a news consumer
– Check multiple outlets with different leanings.
– Look for primary documents (indictments, court filings, transcripts).
– Distinguish news reporting from opinion/commentary.
– Note corrections and editor’s notes—credible outlets publish them transparently.
– Use fact-checkers (FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, AP Fact Check, Reuters Fact Check).
– Be cautious with anonymous-source stories but weigh outlet track records.
– Watch for precise language: “alleged,” “according to,” “confirmed by,” etc.