Legacy Media Under Fire For Response To Trump Assassination Attempt

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump, legacy media outlets are facing significant backlash for their handling of the incident. Critics accuse these media organizations of perpetuating misinformation, lies, and gaslighting rather than addressing the dangerous rhetoric that may have fueled the attack.

The assassination attempt, which occurred at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief, and injuries to others. Despite the gravity of the situation, many media figures seemed more intent on criticizing Republican rhetoric than examining the potentially incendiary language from the left.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) emphasized the need to investigate security lapses, while former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino criticized the agency’s failure to increase security for Trump despite numerous requests.

On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Kristen Welker interviewed an emotional Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who highlighted the dangerous political rhetoric surrounding the incident. However, Welker shifted the focus to Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), suggesting their comments contributed to the heightened tensions.

ABC’s “This Week” featured a discussion between George Stephanopoulos and Martha Raddatz, where the conversation quickly turned to blaming Trump and his supporters for the violent rhetoric. Raddatz dismissed claims that President Biden’s language could have incited the attack, despite his frequent and inflammatory remarks about Trump and his supporters.

Statements from President Biden, such as calling Trump a “dictator” and his references to Project 2025, have added to the charged political atmosphere. Critics argue that these remarks have not been sufficiently scrutinized by the media, which instead focus on demonizing Trump.

Conservative commentators like Dan Bongino and social media users pointed out the hypocrisy in the media’s response, noting the lack of condemnation for the rhetoric from Democratic figures. Bongino also highlighted the inadequate response of Secret Service agents during the attack.

Elon Musk, who endorsed Trump following the attempt, called for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation, citing either extreme incompetence or deliberate failure. The focus on DEI initiatives under Cheatle’s leadership has also come under fire, with critics arguing it may have compromised essential security measures.

As the investigation continues, the media’s role in shaping public discourse and the impact of political rhetoric on real-world events remain under intense scrutiny. The call for more balanced and responsible reporting is growing louder, with many insisting that the legacy media must do better in addressing these critical issues.