Trump calls US media compromised and corrupt amid lawsuits

In recent days, United States President Donald Trump has engaged in a heated battle against various media organizations, asserting that they are biased and untrustworthy. During a Monday post on his Truth Social platform, he accused major outlets, including NBC News, ABC News, and The New York Times, of manipulating poll results to present unfavorable ratings. These accusations come in the wake of unfavorable surveys published by these outlets that suggest his approval ratings are at historic lows as he nears the hundredth day of his second term. Furthermore, Trump has used the term 'fake news' extensively, denouncing coverage that he perceives as detrimental, a tactic that echoes sentiments he has communicated in other forums, including Justice Department speeches earlier this year. Trump's FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has been active in launching investigations into these media outlets, signaling a concerted effort from the Trump administration to crack down on what they view as unfair media practices. In contrast, statements from NPR and PBS about the impact of potential funding cuts highlight the broader implications of such actions on public broadcasting services. Trump has also indicated intentions to revoke significant federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides vital financial support to public media organizations like NPR and PBS. Meanwhile, as tensions have escalated, Trump has taken legal action against various media companies, including CBS and the Associated Press, for perceived biases in their coverage and allegations of defamatory reporting during his presidency. This ongoing media conflict has raised questions about press freedom and the role of governmental influence in what Trump terms as an adversarial media landscape that he believes undermines democratic principles.