Trump’s Current News Consumption Patterns
Former President Donald Trump, a fierce critic of mainstream media, has shifted his media consumption habits as he enters his third presidential campaign. While previously focused on TV ratings and cable news during his presidency, Trump now includes blog posts and browsing on Truth Social in his media diet. Despite his fluctuating relationship with Fox News, he still follows select shows and personalities.
Former President Donald Trump has been a harsh critic of the legacy media, standing against what he has dubbed “fake news.”
Now, as he launches his third presidential campaign, his media diet has changed from when he first ran for president in 2016. During his presidency, Trump was actively watching the media by keeping up with TV ratings and his cable news coverage. Now, he does the same but has widened his content to include more blog posts and scrolling on Truth Social.
Once a staunch supporter of the organization, Trump has gone back and forth with Fox News. He watches Fox News Business’ Mornings with Maria, hosted by Maria Bartiromo and Fox & Friends, according to Politico. He also enjoys Jesse Walters and his friend Sean Hannity’s evening shows.
He has, however, been critical of the network, notably Steve Doocy, a morning host. Trump has called Doocy a “RINO,” or Republican In Name Only, and said he makes the morning show “unwatchable.”
On air, Doocy has challenged some of what his co-hosts say, notably about the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
“Steve Doocy’s been terrible. I mean, to me he’s been just terrible. I think he’s hurting the show,” Trump said.
After being banned from X following the Jan. 6 insurrection, Trump found a new social media home in his own site, Truth Social. There, he often scrolls through posts and stories from conservative outlets like the Daily Caller, Washington Examiner, the Daily Mail, Fox News Digital, and the New York Post. However, he reportedly still prefers reading news in print, and maintains subscriptions to the New York Times and New York Post at his Florida residence.
“Conservative media, liberal media,” a person close to Trump said. “He’s very well read on what both sides are saying.”
Trump also has specific journalists he enjoys, according to the outlet.
“He likes[[New York Times]reporters Maggie [Haberman] and [Jonathan] Swan when they’re good. He hates them when they’re bad,” one Trump official said. He also enjoys photojournalist Doug Mills from the New York Times, who covered him in the White House.
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Trump has also begun texting, something he didn’t do prior to his third presidential election bid, Politico reports. Now, he can read a wider variety of blog posts and be sent different types of news, which has changed the type of content he consumes.
Regardless, of which type of news he reads or where it comes from, Trump continues to be an avid consumer and is always watching.
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