- Trump received 92% negative coverage from ABC, NBC, and CBS during the first 100 days of his second term.
- The networks gave Trump far more airtime than Biden but remained overwhelmingly critical.
- Coverage focused on policy issues like tariffs and immigration, yet still carried a strongly negative tone
President Donald Trump is receiving overwhelmingly negative coverage on the evening news from ABC, NBC, and CBS. A study from the Media Research Center (MRC) found that 92.2% of the coverage between January 20 and April 9 was negative. Only 7.8% of the stories showed him in a positive light. The study looked at 899 stories across the networksโ top nightly shows. The researchers say this bias is even stronger than during Trumpโs first term, when negativity stood at 89%. Now, as Trump nears the 100-day mark of his second term, the study claims that mainstream media is more hostile than ever.
Media Gave Biden Much Better Treatment in 2021
The study also compared how the media treated President Joe Biden during the same period in 2021. According to MRC, Biden received 59% positive coverage in his first 100 days. This shows a clear difference in how the networks handle coverage of presidents depending on who is in office. The findings suggest that Trump is facing not just more attention, but also more criticism than his predecessor did. Even with all the negative tone, the networks seem to prefer reporting on Trump more than Biden. That contrast in both time and tone was a key finding of the MRC study.
Trump Gets Far More Airtime Than Biden Did
Even though the tone was mostly negative, Trump dominated the news cycle. From January 20 to April 9 this year, ABC, NBC, and CBS spent 1,716 minutes covering Trump and his administration. Back in 2017, Trump got 1,900 minutes during his first term. In comparison, during Bidenโs first 100 days in 2021, these networks only gave him 726 minutes. Thatโs less than half the coverage Trump received during the same time frame. The study suggests that networks find Trump more newsworthy, even if most of what they say is critical.
MRC Used Neutral Sources to Measure Tone
To figure out whether the stories were positive or negative, MRC counted all โexplicitly evaluative statements.โ These came from reporters, anchors, or neutral third parties such as experts or voters. They didnโt count comments from politicians or partisan figures. This method aimed to show how journalists themselves shaped the tone of the coverage. The study focused more on how the media framed Trumpโs actions and policies, not just how many times he was mentioned.
Coverage Shifted From Personal Scandals to Policy
Unlike Trumpโs first term, which focused a lot on personal issues and controversies, the media this time focused more on policy. The study shows that Trumpโ stariffs were the most covered policy topic, receiving 361 minutes of coverage. DOGE cutbacks came next with 301 minutes. Immigration policies got 233 minutes. While the media used to attack Trump on personal matters, now their focus has shifted toward what heโs doing in office. But the tone remains just as negative as before, according to the report.
Even Trumpโs Top Issues Get Harsh Criticism
Even on topics where Trump performs well in public opinion polls, the networks remained critical. The MRC study says tariffs got 93% negative coverage. DOGE cutbacks were hit even harder, with 97% negative coverage. Immigration coverage was 93% negative, even though itโs one of Trumpโs strongest areas with voters. In nearly four hours of coverage on immigration, the study found that only 3.5 minutes mentioned the drop in illegal border crossings. Positive outcomes got very little airtime.
Trumpโs Cabinet Members Also Face Negative Reports
The media didnโt just focus on Trump himself. The study found that his top officials also got mostly negative coverage. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received 89% negative coverage. Elon Musk, leading DOGE, was hit with 96% negative coverage. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth got the worst resultโ100% negative. Not one story about him on the evening news was positive. The networks appear to treat Trumpโs entire administration with suspicion and criticism.
Networks Refuse to Comment on Findings
When asked to respond to the study, ABC, NBC, and CBS did not reply. This silence may raise questions about whether the networks are aware of the bias or simply refuse to address it. Critics say the lack of response is part of a larger issue. They believe the media no longer tries to be balanced in its reporting, especially when it comes to Trump.
Trumpโs Legal Battles With Media Outlets Continue
Trump has a long and rocky history with these major networks. He is currently suing CBS for $20 billion. The lawsuit claims CBS interfered with the 2024 election by airing a misleading โ60 Minutesโ interview with Kamala Harris. Last year, Trump settled a defamation lawsuit against ABC for $15 million. Before becoming president, he was also the star of NBCโs hit show The Apprentice. These past and current battles show just how deep the conflict runs between Trump and the media.
White House Says Americans See Through the Bias
A spokesperson from the White House responded to the findings. They said the media keeps trying to bury Trumpโs accomplishments. But 77 million Americans voted for him and still support his policies. The spokesperson also claimed that traditional media is losing trust. Many Americans are now turning to other ways to get their news. They believe the public knows the truth, even if the networks wonโt report it.
