Crime
Muted Media Reaction to Trump’s Latest Pardons
Clear Facts
- President Donald Trump’s pardoning of January 6 prisoners was expected, leading to a surprisingly muted reaction from the media.
- Major news outlets gave minimal coverage to the pardons, focusing instead on other political and national issues.
- The American public appears fatigued by the January 6 narrative, contributing to the subdued response to the pardons.
President Donald Trump’s recent pardoning of January 6 prisoners was anticipated by many, resulting in a surprisingly subdued reaction from the media and the public. Despite expectations of uproar, the response was largely indifferent, with many outlets choosing to focus on other topics.
Brian Stelter, back at CNN, expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of outrage, contrasting it with what he perceived as more trivial coverage on other networks. He lamented, “While newsrooms are focusing on the rule of law, MAGA opinion outlets are focusing on Trump’s rule.”
Major publications relegated the pardons to less prominent sections of their coverage, prioritizing other political developments. Some morning newsletters barely mentioned the pardons, focusing instead on infrastructure and executive orders.
The muted response can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Trump’s supporters were not surprised by the pardons, as he had repeatedly promised such actions. Secondly, Trump’s political influence remains strong, with many recognizing his continued legitimacy despite past controversies. As noted by some political analysts, Democrats have learned that they “cannot push Trump to the margins, by treating him as a momentary anomaly or simply denouncing him as lawless and illegitimate.”
Additionally, outgoing President Joe Biden’s own controversial pardons have complicated the narrative, making criticisms of Trump’s actions less effective. The American public’s fatigue with the January 6 narrative also plays a significant role. The event has been extensively covered, and many are weary of the ongoing discussions around it.
Some investigative reporters, including former J6 defendants, have highlighted the sentiment that there may have been miscarriages of justice in the prosecutions. “Whatever the Oath Keepers may or may not be individually guilty of,” one reporter stated, “the one thing they are not guilty of are the crimes for which they were convicted.”
As those released from prison begin to share their stories, the public’s perception of January 6 and its aftermath may continue to evolve. Meanwhile, Stelter’s call to “burst these media bubbles” reflects a growing awareness that the media landscape is changing, with diverse political perspectives gaining traction.
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