Media predicted chaos under Trump, but it occurred under Biden’s leadership
War and Media Perception: Trump vs. Biden
War is raging in the Middle East, with America’s enemies growing bolder and our allies questioning our competence and commitment. Surprisingly, this is the foreign policy landscape that President Joe Biden finds himself campaigning for reelection on, despite the media’s expectation that it would be former President Donald Trump’s legacy.
Flashback: Even before Trump took office, news outlets were already predicting the downfall of the international order under his presidency. They criticized his friendly relations with dictators, his harsh treatment of Europeans and the United Nations, and his refusal to heed the advice of experts. They warned of appeasing Iran and the Palestinians, fearing a nuclear World War III was imminent.
“Hillary Clinton Is Right: Donald Trump Threatens World War III”: This headline from the Daily Beast in July 2016 exemplifies the media’s concerns about Trump’s foreign policy. They feared that he would allow Russia to expand its territory and provoke a confrontation with Western Europe, similar to Hitler’s actions before World War II.
“Is This the Start of World War III? That’s What People Are Worried About”: In April 2017, USA Today speculated whether Trump’s missile strike against Syria would escalate into a global conflict, sparking fears of World War III.
“How US and North Korea Could Stumble Into World War III”: Politico warned in January 2018 that the heated rhetoric between Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un could escalate the situation and lead to a catastrophic war.
“World Holds Breath for Trump’s Iran Deal Decision”: CNN cautioned in May 2018 that Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal could trigger a dangerous global crisis and potentially lead to war with Iran.
“Will Trump Be Meeting With His Counterpart—Or His Handler?”: In July 2018, New York Magazine raised suspicions about Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting it might be more than a negotiation between two heads of state but rather a meeting between a Russian-intelligence asset and his handler.
“Trump Isn’t a Climate Denier. He’s Worse”: The Atlantic argued in November 2019 that Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change would have severe consequences, including devaluing the American dollar and undermining American power.
“Trump Plunges Toward the Kind of Middle Eastern Conflict He Pledged To Avoid”: In January 2020, the Washington Post criticized Trump’s decision to authorize a drone strike that killed a top Iranian commander, warning that it could entangle the United States in a volatile and unpredictable region.
However, many of these media predictions turned out to be unfounded. The allegations of Trump allowing Russia to put bounties on U.S. troops in Afghanistan were later debunked. Trump’s policies coincided with historic peace agreements in the Middle East, contradicting the media’s dire forecasts.
Nonetheless, the media breathed a sigh of relief when Biden was elected in 2020, believing that his “steady hand” would stabilize the world.
“Analysis: Biden Prioritizes Experience With Cabinet Picks”: The Associated Press noted in November 2020 that Biden’s cabinet choices emphasized competence and experience, signaling a return to a more traditional approach to foreign policy.
“‘America is Back’—Biden Touts Muscular Foreign Policy in First Diplomatic Speech”: In February 2021, Reuters reported on Biden’s speech aimed at dispelling doubts about American democracy and reaffirming a forceful international approach.
“Under Biden, Diplomacy Is an Attractive Career Again”: The New York Times highlighted in March 2021 the renewed interest in diplomacy and foreign service under the Biden administration.
“Biden Sees ‘Genuine Opportunity’ for Israeli-Palestinian Peace. Could It Actually Happen?”: NBC News reported in May 2021 that Biden’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was viewed as more competent and even-handed, raising hopes for progress.
“Joe Biden’s Message to Vladimir Putin? The Adults Are Back in Charge.”: CNN described Biden’s summit with Putin in June 2021 as a clear departure from Trump’s approach, emphasizing pragmatism and frankness.
“Leave Joe Biden Alone”: In June 2022, the Atlantic defended Biden’s foreign policy, highlighting his efforts to prevent World War III and maintain stability amid global challenges.
However, Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 triggered a series of destabilizing events, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to the massacre in Israel by Hamas in 2023. The media quickly shifted blame to Biden.
“Biden Says ‘America Is Back,’ But ‘America First’ Has Haunted His First 100 Days”: CNN noted in April 2021 that Biden’s mission to reengage with the world and lead it once again was overshadowed by the specter of Trump and his “America First” policies.
“A Biden Administration Review of the Afghanistan Withdrawal Blames Trump”: NPR reported in April 2023 that Biden’s White House attributed the chaotic end to the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan to the conditions created by Trump.
“Behind Biden’s Middle East Crises Is the Long Tail of Trump’s Legacy”: The Washington Post in January 2024 highlighted the lasting impact of Trump’s policies in the Middle East, affecting Biden’s ability to re-engage with Iran and address regional crises.
As Trump runs for president again in 2024, the media warns of the potential dangers his presidency could pose to the world.
“Donald Trump Poses the Biggest Danger to the World in 2024”: The Economist argued in November 2023 that a Trump victory would undermine American democracy and international trust in the United States.
“Trump Would Install Loyalists to Reshape US Foreign Policy on China, NATO, and Ukraine”: Reuters reported in December 2023 that a second Trump term could lead to the appointment of loyalists who prioritize isolationist policies, potentially reshaping U.S. foreign policy.
“For Europe and NATO, a Russian Invasion Is No Longer Unthinkable”: The New York Times warned in January 2024 that European nations fear a Russian invasion without U.S. support, given Trump’s previous threats to NATO.
With the media’s focus shifting once again to Trump, the future remains uncertain, and the worst may be yet to come.
How did Russia assert its power and position in the region amidst the chaos in Afghanistan, as highlighted by The Washington Examiner
February 2022 to the rise of ISIS in the region. The media coverage of these events highlighted the missteps and failures of the Biden administration’s foreign policy.
“The Biden Doctrine Takes a Hit”: The Wall Street Journal critiqued Biden’s handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, noting that it resulted in a power vacuum that emboldened terrorist groups and undermined American credibility.
“Biden’s Afghanistan Chaos Is Making Russia, China, and Iran Smile”: Newsweek discussed the geopolitical implications of the chaotic withdrawal, arguing that it created opportunities for America’s adversaries to expand their influence in the region.
“Biden’s Afghan Fiasco Emboldens Putin”: The Washington Examiner highlighted how Russia took advantage of the chaos in Afghanistan to assert its power and position itself as a key player in the region.
“Biden’s Failure in Afghanistan Has Undermined US Credibility”: The National Review argued that the botched withdrawal damaged America’s reputation as a reliable partner and weakened its influence on the global stage.
“Biden’s Syria Strike Risks Escalation and Further Destabilization”: The Foreign Policy warned in October 2022 that Biden’s decision to launch a missile strike in Syria could lead to an escalation of conflict and further destabilization in the region.
These contrasting media narratives surrounding Trump and Biden highlight the subjective nature of media perception. While the media predicted doom and gloom under Trump, his policies ultimately resulted in historic peace agreements and disproved many of the initial concerns. On the other hand, Biden, despite being hailed as a stabilizing force, has faced significant criticisms and challenges in his foreign policy decisions, particularly with regard to the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
It is evident that the media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of war and foreign policy. Their coverage and analysis can either perpetuate fears and concerns or create a sense of confidence and trust in the government’s approach. However, it is crucial to approach media narratives with skepticism and critical thinking, as they are often influenced by ideological biases and political agendas.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to seek out diverse sources of information and critically evaluate the media’s portrayal of war and foreign policy. By doing so, we can develop a more balanced and informed understanding of the complexities and nuances of these critical issues.
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