Following the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, legacy media outlets are under fire for their coverage and commentary. Critics argue that the media’s focus on deflecting blame and perpetuating misinformation has only exacerbated political tensions.
The assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was later killed by law enforcement, resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief, and injuries to several attendees, including Trump. Despite the seriousness of the incident, many media figures quickly turned to criticizing Republican rhetoric.
NBC’s “Meet the Press” featured Kristen Welker interviewing Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who condemned the violent political climate. However, Welker redirected the conversation to comments by Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), implying their rhetoric contributed to the attack. This approach drew criticism for failing to address the inflammatory remarks from Democratic leaders.
ABC’s “This Week” saw George Stephanopoulos and Martha Raddatz dismissing claims that President Biden’s rhetoric played a role in the attack. Raddatz specifically downplayed any connection, despite Biden’s frequent harsh statements about Trump.
This narrative was seen as an attempt to shift blame away from Democratic figures and towards Trump and his supporters.
Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino and other conservative voices pointed out the media’s double standard. Bongino emphasized the need for increased security measures for Trump, which were reportedly denied despite repeated requests. He criticized the Secret Service’s failure to adequately protect the former president, highlighting a retreating officer who encountered Crooks before the shooting.
Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump after the attack, demanded the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, accusing her of either incompetence or deliberate negligence. Cheatle, appointed by President Biden, has faced scrutiny for prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives over essential security protocols.
As the investigation into the attack continues, the media’s handling of the incident and its potential influence on public discourse remain contentious issues. There is a growing call for more balanced reporting and accountability to ensure that political rhetoric does not lead to further violence.