Donald Trump Fears Losing Support: ‘I Don’t Think We Should Do That Anymore’

Demonstrating his typical autocratic behavior, former President Donald Trump effectively demanded during a recent segment on “Fox & Friends” that Fox News stop showing ads he’s labeled as “negative.” This bold request underlines his view that the network should serve as a mouthpiece for him rather than operate as an impartial news source.

Trump complains on Fox & Friends that the Fox network plays ads criticizing him: “In the old days, you never played negative ads…for 19 days I don’t think we should do that anymore, I think you shouldn’t play negative ads.” pic.twitter.com/4dECZwdCHU

— Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) October 18, 2024

“In the past, negative ads simply weren’t played. When I step away from this studio, I’ll be targeted by several ads,” Trump lamented to the program hosts. When Brian Kilmeade asked for clarification, “You mean Fox News?” Trump reaffirmed his point, stating, “Once I leave, I’ll face numerous ads featuring Kamala, and it’s largely without opposition.” It’s unclear what he means by that.

As he persisted with his views, Trump’s authoritarian tendencies surfaced: “For the next 19 days, I believe we shouldn’t air such ads anymore. I insist that negative ads shouldn’t be shown; it makes things very challenging.” This illustrates his expectation to be insulated from criticism, even if it necessitates silencing dissenting perspectives.

In a new low for his disregard for the First Amendment, Trump revealed his intention to complain to media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, saying, “I’ll be meeting with Rupert Murdoch. I’m not certain he will appreciate my words… and I plan to convey something quite straightforward: don’t air negative commercials for 21 days, and refrain from showcasing those who come on to deceive… and then we will achieve our success.”

Fox News will happily censor Trump’s negative press. If he’s president, he’ll make everyone do it. pic.twitter.com/HcyVYmCkTl

— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) October 19, 2024

Trump’s insistence that Fox News should exclusively prioritize his preferences reveals a significant misunderstanding of a free press’s pivotal role in a democratic society. His fervent desire to control the content of a prominent network suggests he perceives Fox News as an extension of his personal agenda rather than as an autonomous media outlet.

This incident aligns with a broader trend of Trump criticizing Fox News whenever it deviates from his narrative. Just the previous day, he expressed his frustration on Truth Social about Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott allowing left-leaning voices to appear on-air.

“Why does Suzanne Scott of Fox News continue to include mediocre ‘talking heads’ like Jessica Tarlov, Richard Fowler, Patrick Murphy, ‘something’ Wolf, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and other Radical Left Extremists who lie and manipulate narratives, with Fox rarely presenting any rebuttals to their tales? It’s detrimental to our efforts to win the most critical election of our time. Moreover, I am constantly bombarded with negative, false advertisements that the opposition inundates Fox’s broadcasts with. If I win—and for the good of the nation, I hope I do—and if this Radical Left Fool, Kamala, is prevented from leading, it will be IN SPITE OF Fox, not due to them!”

Trump’s unreasonable expectation that news networks should suppress contrary viewpoints and unfavorable ads to benefit him directly contradicts the fundamental ideals of democracy and the essential role of a free press. As early voting is underway, Trump’s weak and desperate attempts to shape narratives during this election cycle starkly remind us of his identity and his ongoing threat to American democracy.

Source