Experts Warn of Trump’s Ties to Right-Wing Media
Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann has issued a warning about the consequences of former President Donald Trump’s close relationship with right-wing media outlets. Weissmann argues that Trump’s collaboration with these outlets is “anathema to democracy” and could damage the integrity of the upcoming Manhattan criminal trial against him.
Weissmann points to the scheme involving the National Enquirer to bury information about Trump that could have derailed his 2016 presidential campaign. He argues that the trial will shed light on Trump’s efforts to control media coverage and influence public opinion.
Weissmann draws comparisons to the Mueller investigation, where evidence emerged of coordination between Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and Fox News host Sean Hannity. He says this strategy involved exchanging texts to influence the jury and present a favorable image of Trump.
“This is very much like the precursor to Fox News,” Weissmann said. He expressed concern that such collusion undermines the credibility of the media and the independence of the justice system.
Weissmann warns that Trump’s tactics mirror those used in Russia, where reporters collude with political candidates to manipulate public opinion. He emphasizes that the integrity of democracy requires a free and impartial media that can hold politicians accountable.
“The idea [a reporter] would say… ‘I need to tell you something, this is what I am doing’ with one political candidate, is so anathema to democracy. It is — that is what happens in Russia,” Weissmann said.
