Trump is worried that Fox News is going to move in a more “liberal” direction and stop unquestioningly pushing his propaganda.
According to three people who have independently spoken to Trump about Fox News over the past four weeks, the president has repeatedly asked that question. The president has also recently grilled certain Fox employees, including his confidant Sean Hannity, on this topic, one of these sources noted.
“I’ve been good to them,†Trump said in these last few weeks, according to another one of the three sources. The president, a remarkably avid consumer of cable news, sounded surprised and frustrated that he was seeing too many people to his liking on the network treating him “unfairly†on their shows.
To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily.
….
The president has also told multiple associates that he sees Fox mogul Rupert Murdoch’s sons as “very liberal†and has quizzed former and current Fox personalities about what they think of them and if the Murdoch kids can be trusted. (Rupert Murdoch also doubles as a prominent informal adviser to Trump, often taking calls from the 45th president.)
Trump needs Fox News
Trump has placed all of his political eggs in the Fox News basket. Outside of Twitter, Fox News is his primary communication tool for spreading propaganda and keeping his supporters with him. Trump needs Fox because without Fox News spewing his propaganda, the president has no other media sources that he can depend on to reach millions of his voters. Trump also needs Fox News to soothe his ego and provide his the fuel that runs the false reality between his ears. The president gets his information and messaging from Fox News. Without Fox, Trump would be as lost as a toddler trying to count to ten without Sesame Street.
Donald Trump demands loyalty even as he offers none of his own. Trump has realized that he is at the mercy of Fox News, and if the network leaves him, his presidency will likely end.
For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.
Follow Jason Easley on Facebook
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
