The Guardian’s decision to offer mental health counseling to staff in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s win has sparked widespread ridicule. Editor Katharine Viner called the election result “very upsetting” in an email and announced support measures, including 24/7 mental health resources, virtual wellbeing tools, and professional counseling for employees.
British staff were offered online medical services, while U.S. employees received access to Employee Assistance Programs. Australian employees were even promised professional counseling. Viner warned that Trump’s victory “could reverberate for a million years,” a statement that critics called melodramatic and unprofessional.
Traumatised Guardian staff offered counselling.
– Guido Fawkes pic.twitter.com/gwanxXEmG3
— L’anglais, c’est rien que le français, malprononcé (@lefoudubaron) November 7, 2024
The Guardian also encouraged international staff to check in with their American colleagues for emotional support. Critics have labeled the move as over-the-top, arguing that offering counseling over an election result reveals a lack of perspective and highlights the publication’s deep-seated bias against Trump.
The Guardian offers staffers counseling over Donald Trump’s ‘upsetting’ election win.😂
Oh great now the UK is upset 😂😂😂
Katherine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian said her employees can access free mental health support from internal company portals, according to the… pic.twitter.com/hs40JgsDSH
— Denise (@Likeshesays) November 8, 2024
In addition to the counseling services, the Guardian issued a fundraising appeal to readers, urging financial support to help “stand up” to the Trump administration. This approach mirrors its previous strategy of using politically charged moments to solicit contributions, such as when it raised $2 million during Kamala Harris’s 2020 campaign.
The Guardian has offered its journalists free counseling and mental health support to help them process Donald Trump’s win in the US election, according to an internal email seen by Guido Fawkes, a British political gossip blog
— Dr. Jain (@ncj537) November 8, 2024
Critics argue that this reaction reflects the media’s increasing detachment from reality, with some accusing the Guardian of turning political disappointment into a spectacle. Offering formal counseling for election results, they claim, is an unnecessary escalation that erodes journalistic credibility.
What marshmellows. Who cares. Now..they're fundraising off of Trump's win..suckering all those brainwashed readers.
Far-Left Guardian Offers Staff Counseling After Trump’s ‘Very Upsetting’ Election Triumph.https://t.co/7Dnx8p8vFy pic.twitter.com/hEubitD4GM
— P. J. Lofland (@pamjlofland) November 7, 2024
The Guardian’s dramatic response has been widely mocked, with critics questioning its ability to provide balanced reporting on Trump’s presidency. For many, the incident underscores the broader issue of partisanship in media, which risks alienating audiences seeking objective and reliable coverage.
You won’t get a reply from the Guardian either….it seems they are too busy attending counseling sessions after the Trump election…..😂😂
— E Nuffsaid (@ENuffsaid59763) November 8, 2024
