The combination of perceived bias, economic difficulties, and competition from alternative media has led to a significant decline in public trust in legacy media in recent years. And the fight won’t get any easier under another Trump administration

On November 6, Elon Musk tweeted. “You are the media now. The news must come from the public. It must come from those at the scene and those who are experts on the subject!” This statement has important implications for the future of media and underlines a shift towards citizen journalism and decentralized information sources.

Moreover, this message aligns with the sentiments espoused by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has long opposed the legitimacy of the mainstream media. Trump called CBS a “FAKE NEWS FRAUD” whose activities were “totally illegal” and suggested ABC should lose its broadcast license. As Trump returns to office with a Republican-controlled Congress and a Supreme Court shaped predominantly by his own appointees, the media’s traditional role as a democratic guardian faces renewed challenges.

The combination of perceived bias, economic difficulties, and competition from alternative media has led to a significant decline in public trust in legacy media in recent years. And traditional media is not equipped to deal with these challenges. Without the trust of the audience, these publications struggle to assert their authority and ability to shape the narrative or counter trump narratives.

New battlefield for old media

In 2018, the Trump administration took the unprecedented step of suspending CNN journalist Jim Acosta’s access to the White House after a contentious exchange with President Trump at a press conference. The administration continued to threaten its access when a federal judge sided with CNN and issued a temporary restraining order, forcing the White House to reinstate the press pass for 14 days.

During Trump’s first administration, courts blocked some of his planned actions, but this time Trump will begin his term on the Supreme Court with a 6-3 conservative majority, including three justices he appointed.

“Trump reshaped the federal judiciary in his first term,” George Washington University professor John Collins told Reuters. “He now has the opportunity to solidify that vision for an entire generation.”

During Trump’s first term, he labeled legacy media outlets such as CNN as follows: New York Timesand others as “fake news”, creating an adversarial relationship that reshaped the public’s perception of the media. This rhetoric has led to increased distrust of traditional journalism and increased consumption of partisan consumption, alternative media, and platforms that support user-generated content.

Trump’s combative approach often involved restricting media access and actively encouraging his supporters to question established news sources. As Musk’s powerful platform

The role of media in US history

The legacy media’s function as a check on government power has been tested and strengthened many times throughout U.S. history. Washington PostThe emergence of the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to the resignation of President Nixon, is one of the most famous examples of this.

Another critical case is New York Times‘ And Washington PostIn 1971, he published the Pentagon Papers, which defied intense government pressure and revealed the truth about the Vietnam War.

These landmark cases established the media as a critical pillar of transparency and accountability, underpinned by the First Amendment, which protects the press from government interference.

Although Trump cannot constitutionally directly restrict press freedoms, his administration’s influence on public opinion could indirectly weaken the influence of the media and have a chilling effect on the independence of journalism.

Transition to citizen journalism and decentralized media

The rise of platforms like X, YouTube, and independent news sites have provided individuals with the means to report news directly.

However, this model is not without risks. While it empowers people to share perspectives overlooked by mainstream media, it can also increase misinformation and lack of accountability. Even Elon Musk himself is the king of misinformation because he removed the verification feature of X.

Musk went on Election Day X to praise men, promote anti-immigrant conspiracy theories and accuse Democrats of voter fraud. This was typical of the billionaire who has emerged as one of Donald Trump’s strongest supporters and a prolific source of misinformation.

So Trump’s second term could further increase the public’s trust in these decentralized resources, which Trump sees as a way to “eliminate bias.” But this shift could come at the expense of vetted, fact-checked journalism and increase the challenges legacy media organizations face in maintaining their authority.

Global media reaction

If Trump intensifies his campaign against the press, international media organizations and press freedom advocates will likely stand in solidarity with US media organizations.

Global support can strengthen the position of legacy media by highlighting the importance of independent journalism around the world.

For example, during Trump’s first term, international organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned his actions and statements against journalists. With Trump’s renewed emphasis on conservative values, traditional media can once again rely on global support to uphold their journalistic principles.

Trump Administration’s “war cabinet”

Trump’s second-term team includes hardline conservatives known for prioritizing loyalty and ideological purity over independent oversight, forming what some call a “war cabinet.”

Figures like Stephen Miller and others, who have a history of implementing policies focused on national security and “America First” populism, are in a position to support Trump’s initiatives without challenging his decisions.

This administration could introduce policy changes that indirectly affect press freedom, such as pushing for regulatory regulations that strengthen alternative media at the expense of traditional media.

In addition, Trump’s Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, has issued decisions that could reduce checks on executive power and alter the regulatory environment, reducing legal safeguards that shore up federal agencies and the press.

Can old media survive?

Legacy media may need to shift direction strategically to remain resilient in this new environment. Some news organizations are already strengthening their online presence, prioritizing direct audience engagement and promoting transparency to rebuild public trust.

A crucial component will be finding ways to integrate and verify citizens’ contributions while maintaining rigorous journalistic standards. The risk of echo chambers and misinformation increases as Trump promotes populism-driven news, making fact-checking and investigative reporting even more important.

Ultimately, legacy media’s survival may depend on balancing its watchdog role with adaptability in an environment dominated by citizens’ voices and populist influencers. Maintaining its constitutional authority to check power, the media will face constant scrutiny but will continue to adapt as a vital democratic institution amid this complex political landscape.

Despite conservative dominance in the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court, some experts are optimistic that the media will continue to serve as a vital check and balance. This trust is rooted in the historical resilience of the press despite intense political pressures.

Only time will tell how the legacy media will fight back, but analysts believe the next four years will contribute to further polarization.