The ongoing trial of Donald J. Trump in New York City — formally titled The People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump — has seen an unusual approach to media coverage, particularly on Fox News. Whether this reflects superior journalistic discretion or an attempt to shield Trump’s presidential campaign from negative press is up for debate. But one thing is clear: Fox’s coverage has been notably less extensive compared to competitors CNN and MSNBC. According to data compiled by Roger Macdonald of the Internet Archive TV News, Fox devoted about half the airtime to Trump’s trial between April 15 and May 17, compared to its rivals.
In contrast to its limited focus on the courtroom proceedings, Fox has dedicated substantial airtime to Trump’s press conferences outside the courthouse. During this period, Fox aired 33 live broadcasts of Trump’s remarks, far outpacing CNN’s 19 and MSNBC’s meager three. This approach has caught the attention of those closely following the trial, as Reuters journalists Helen Coster and Kanishka Singh noted that Fox seemed more concerned with covering pro-Palestinian protests on campuses than the legal drama unfolding inside the courtroom. On one occasion, Fox’s The Faulkner Focus spent less than 10 minutes covering the trial, instead focusing on supposed flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Fox News has long served as a prominent voice for Trump, but this strategic editorial decision raises questions about the network’s priorities. Is it merely providing news tailored to its audience, or is it shaping the narrative to protect Trump’s image as he navigates multiple legal battles?
This marks a return to Fox’s favorable relationship with Trump after a period of estrangement. Following the January 6th insurrection, Fox shifted its allegiance toward Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, giving him prime airtime and even softening its stance on his political persona. Murdoch, the head of Fox’s parent company, had once been openly critical of Trump, describing him as a “fucking idiot” and a “phony,” even calling his actions on January 6th a “pretty much a crime.” As a result, in 2022, Fox placed an unofficial “soft ban” on Trump, limiting his appearances. However, as DeSantis’ presidential campaign faltered and Trump regained momentum, Fox’s stance softened. On April 11, 2023, Fox ended the ban, giving Trump a platform for a prominent interview on Tucker Carlson Tonight. Since then, Fox has consistently leaned in Trump’s favor.
Fox’s current approach to the trial coverage is part of a broader strategy to present Trump as the victim of a biased system, aligning with his narrative of persecution. By giving Trump a platform to speak at length outside the courtroom, Fox creates the impression that it is covering the trial, even when its coverage is far more limited than the competition.
This phenomenon raises larger questions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of the legal system. In effect, Fox’s focus on Trump’s soliloquies outside the courtroom suggests that the real trial is not taking place in front of a judge and jury, but in a press conference where Trump controls the narrative. His comments, broadcast live, allow him to frame the discussion on his own terms, with little interruption from legal procedures or opposition voices.
Trump’s strategy, reminiscent of his former attorney Roy Cohn’s tactics, seeks to control the public discourse by dominating the media landscape. Like Cohn, who often made his case to the press after court sessions, Trump uses his press conferences to win in the court of public opinion, believing that a favorable public verdict could influence the outcome of his legal troubles. For Trump, if he wins the media battle and the election in November, he could perceive himself as acquitted — regardless of what happens inside the courtroom.
Fox’s approach reflects a network that understands its influence in the media ecosystem and is willing to use that power to craft a narrative that benefits Trump, even as his legal battles unfold. Whether this strategy ultimately strengthens his position with voters remains to be seen, but for now, Fox News has turned the Trump trial into a spectacle where the line between news coverage and propaganda continues to blur.
