Fox News has adopted a distinct approach to covering Donald Trump’s ongoing criminal trial, diverting attention from the proceedings to focus on Trump’s grievances and portray the case as an unjust targeting of the former president. While other cable news networks have devoted extensive coverage to the trial, Fox has largely avoided in-depth analysis, instead opting for sporadic mentions and commentary.
The network’s coverage has primarily centered around criticizing the case, alleging bias against Trump and questioning the court’s treatment of him. Hosts and guests on Fox programs have taken increasingly extreme positions in defending Trump, citing concerns about his well-being and comparing the trial to events leading to the fall of the Roman Republic.
One notable example is Jesse Watters’s remarks on “The Five,” where he expressed concern for Trump’s health and suggested that the trial’s procedures were cruel and unusual punishment. Another commentator, Ian Prior, drew a parallel between Trump’s prosecution and the decline of ancient Rome.
Fox’s coverage has also included puzzling statements, such as Ainsley Earhardt’s suggestion that the trial could set a precedent for future presidential candidates facing prosecution. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich went further, accusing the judge and district attorney of corruption and likening the situation to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s.
This approach to coverage has raised concerns about the potential consequences for the jury, as Trump’s constant complaints and allegations of unfair treatment may influence their perceptions of the case. As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how Fox News will balance its loyalty to Trump with its responsibility to provide fair and accurate reporting.
