Should We Blame the Media and Public Figures for Concessions to Trump?
As Donald Trump prepares to take office, tensions are running high. Many are outraged at media figures and public personalities who once opposed Trump but now appear to be aligning with him, such as Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski visiting Mar-a-Lago, or tech moguls like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg endorsing his inauguration. To critics, these actions resonate as betrayals because they symbolize a shift from opposition to complicity, undermining the accountability once expected from these influential figures. This outrage reflects a deep frustration with what feels like disloyalty. However, it also prompts an important question: Is this outrage justified, or should we approach this issue with a more pragmatic lens? Let’s search for some unCommon Sense as we explore this debate. We will look at the dangers of a president weaponizing power against opponents, compare past and present examples, and discuss what average Americans can do.
Justified?
First, let’s consider why people are upset. For many, this perceived about-face from public figures feels like moral cowardice. Joe and Mika, who were once outspoken critics of Trump, now appear to be "playing nice," a significant shift given their prior role as vocal challengers of his rhetoric and actions. Their influence as prominent media figures amplifies the impact of this perceived concession, leaving critics to question whether their change in stance undermines broader efforts to hold Trump accountable. Such actions can be seen as capitulation to authoritarian behavior, normalizing it and eroding the checks and balances vital in a democracy.
This also sends a chilling message: those in power are above accountability. If influential voices—people with platforms and privilege—bow to Trump’s pressure, it signals that even they are powerless against his vindictiveness. This creates a culture of fear and silence, enabling further abuses of power. In this light, the outrage is not just about the actions of individuals, but about what those actions symbolize: the weakening of democracy itself.
Misguided Outrage?
On the other hand, criticizing these figures may overlook the harsh realities they face. Media personalities and business leaders operate in a world where access and influence are essential. To report the news or run a business effectively, one must sometimes engage with power, even if that power is wielded by someone like Donald Trump.
Moreover, Trump has openly expressed his intent to use the Department of Justice as a tool for revenge, stating publicly during rallies and interviews that he would pursue legal actions against political adversaries. This explicit declaration of intent highlights the unprecedented level of personal retribution being brought into the mechanisms of justice, making the implications for democratic norms all the more alarming. For reporters like Joe and Mika, openly antagonizing Trump could mean losing their careers or worse. Expecting them to put themselves at such risk may be unreasonable.
We must also acknowledge our own compromises. Most of us have, at some point, made concessions at work to maintain our livelihoods. Condemning others for self-preservation while ignoring our own contradictions may not be entirely fair. Respect for the office of the presidency, no matter who occupies it, adds another layer of complexity, as it often creates tension between upholding the dignity of the position and the need to hold its occupant accountable for potential misconduct. Outrage at Mika and Joe’s meeting with Trump seems hypocritical when compared to outrage from the left, over perceived disrespect toward Kamala Harris.
Expectations Of The Press
Before pointing fingers and condemning people for doing their jobs, let’s take a moment and reflect on our expectations of the press. In a perfect world, the press should report on the facts about current events in the most unbiased, neutral manner possible. However, many news outlets, in their fear of accusations of partisanship, end up "both sidesing" issues to a fault.
The press needs to understand that it isn’t biased to report when a political party consistently acts outside the norm. It is okay to point out when actions do not align with laws, regulations, or traditional processes. By downplaying unbalanced negative actions from one side, they deny their audience the truth and instead normalize the behavior. The more normalized these behaviors become, the more extreme they get.
When a Democrat does something extreme, they make a huge deal out of it, just for the fact that it’s news (since Democrats do not normally display the behavior), when a Republican does something extreme, it’s no longer newsworthy, because it is normal for them.
The bottom line is that reporters need to remember what their duties are and that is to gather facts and report them. Their audience needs to remember if they want information, sometimes reporters have to be nice in order to have access to the information.
Dangers Of Presidents Threatening Retribution
A president who uses power to punish opponents is a direct threat to democracy. This behavior undermines institutions, erodes trust in the rule of law, and creates a culture of fear. If Trump follows through on his threats, it could:
Silence Dissent: Journalists, critics, and even ordinary citizens may fear retaliation, leading to self-censorship.
Politicize Justice: Weaponizing the DOJ turns it into a tool for personal vendettas rather than impartial justice.
Destabilize Democracy: When leaders prioritize retribution over governance, it weakens the fabric of democracy, shifting the balance of power dangerously toward authoritarianism.
WYCD - What You Can Do
If we cannot rely on the media to hold Trump accountable beyond reporting the facts, the responsibility falls to us. Here are actionable steps citizens can take:
Stay Informed: Follow credible news sources and stay updated on policies and actions, not just headlines. Use services like Ground News, so you receive news from different perspectives.
Speak Out: Use social media, letters to the editor, or local forums to voice concerns. A collective of voices is harder to target than individuals.
Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on democracy and justice can amplify your voice and provide resources for action. Find a list of groups from each state http://www.smallwhitefilter.com/alpha.html
Engage Politically: Attend town halls, write to your representatives, and vote in every election to ensure your voice is heard. Find your elected officials on Common Cause https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/addr/ or visit your City Council meetings webpage found on the city website.
Educate Others: Talk to friends and family about the importance of civic engagement and holding leaders accountable.
Peaceful Protest: Demonstrations and rallies can raise awareness and show unity against abuses of power.
A Realistic Path Forward
We must acknowledge the complexity of the current situation. While it is natural to feel betrayed by public figures who appear to shift their stance, it is important to consider the unique pressures they face, such as maintaining access to decision-makers, navigating public scrutiny, and balancing personal safety with professional ethics. Outrage may be valid, but it should not cloud our understanding of the broader context.
Trump will be president for the next four years. He won the election, and the reasons for that outcome are for another discussion. For now, the focus must shift to realistic ways of preserving democracy and holding Trump accountable. Rather than expecting media figures to lead the charge, let us, as citizens, step into that role. Together, our collective voice can stand up to threats and ensure that justice prevails.
