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Senator John Kennedy Reflects on Media’s Role in Trump-Russia Narrative
Editor’s note: This article features insights from “How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will” by Senator John Kennedy. Copyright 2025 by John Kennedy. Published with permission from Broadside Books and HarperCollins Publishers.
In early 2017, I was still searching for my footing in the United States Senate when an unprecedented assault unfolded against the newly elected President Donald Trump. From the Democratic Party to the media, numerous left-leaning think tanks, academics, and entrenched bureaucrats mounted an all-out offensive. They hurled accusations at him, leaving no stone unturned, portraying him in the harshest light imaginable.
Having spent years observing the often gritty world of politics, the intensity of this campaign against Trump was shocking. The narrative concerning alleged Russian interference in the election morphed rapidly from a simple claim of meddling to direct accusations of collusion. The idea that Trump had actively conspired with Russia to secure electoral victory became an all-consuming obsession, particularly within the realms of journalism.
Each day brought fresh stories, often relying heavily on anonymous sources. Being an avid reader, I consumed this content with skepticism. There was an unmistakable disconnect between many of the reports and factual accuracy. Hyperbolic language and unverified claims dominated the landscape, shaping a distorted version of reality. Key terms like Steele dossier and FISA warrant circulated widely as accepted gospel amidst a frenzy of speculation.
A Shift In Journalism Ethics
During this period, it was evident that several of my Democratic colleagues had lost their sense of balance and reason. Where Trump was concerned, their arguments often lacked coherence and moderation. Furthermore, the media, traditionally viewed as a voice of the people, seemed to lose all objectivity. This shift represented a departure from its foundational principles and solidified a concerning trend toward bias.
Younger journalists began to frame themselves as part of a resistance movement, united solely by their disdain for Trump. This notion, however, diluted the historical meaning of resistance. In prior times, resistance signified uprisings against oppression or occupation, not a rallying cry over a contested election outcome. Even after years witnessing the fierce undercurrents of Louisiana politics, the vitriol exhibited by the media towards Trump and his supporters was unprecedented. It was overwhelming and left many, including myself, feeling dejected.
Experience With Media Bias
My own encounters with media bias were not new. During my second Senate campaign against incumbent Mary Landrieu, a reporter candidly expressed his directive to dismantle my reputation. He admitted he was compelled to undermine my campaign decisively. Hearing such intentions articulated blatantly was disheartening and exemplified an ongoing trend in the media landscape. The intersection of personal agenda and journalism led to a palpable deterioration of its integrity.
The situation escalated further with revelations about the tactics used by Hillary Clinton’s campaign. They devised and disseminated fabricated evidence of collusion, feeding narratives to the FBI and media that went unquestioned. When Special Counsel Robert Mueller later exonerated Trump, some members of the press reacted with shock. Unfortunately, the emphasis on emotion over factual reporting had taken hold.
Legacy Media vs Social Media
Additionally, Trump’s rise disrupted the traditional media business model. As internet platforms gained dominance over print outlets, television journalists faced an increasingly complicated reality. They often criticized Trump privately but publicly engaged in sensationalism, all for the sake of ratings. In this dance of mutual exploitation, Trump used social media effectively, becoming a constant fixture in public discourse, which further angered the legacy media.
It must be acknowledged that the media is not inherently adversarial. Many news outlets serve as guardians of democracy, unveiling corruption, and speaking truth to power. However, during the tumultuous 2016 election cycle and throughout Trump’s presidency, the media shifted from its role as a watchdog to one resembling an attack dog. A once-respected standard in journalism devolved into sensational storytelling, often treated as fact without due diligence, exemplified by the unfounded Russia collusion accusations.
Trust Eroded by Partisanship
Many in the media convinced themselves that Trump posed a danger to democracy, justifying their efforts to combat him, regardless of the repercussions. Yet, Americans recognize that supporting Trump does not equate to a rejection of democratic values. The perception of bias harms journalistic credibility, leading the public to question the integrity of news reporting.
Is the media always in the wrong? Absolutely not. However, when journalists express opinions instead of reporting facts, or manipulate narratives to suit specific agendas, they alienate their audience. The case of the Hunter Biden laptop illustrates the issues stemming from selective reporting. Furthermore, the public perceives President Biden’s struggles with communication, raising further doubts about media narratives that obscure these realities.
Rethinking Media Accountability
Journalism must reflect on its role and restore trust with its audience. The challenges we face today require transparent reporting grounded in facts. The pendulum of partisan journalism must swing back towards integrity and objectivity. The public deserves a media landscape that prioritizes truthfulness above sensationalism, one that upholds the principle of serving the people, rather than succumbing to the temptations of bias.
Only time will determine whether the media can reclaim its integrity or if the divide between information and misinformation will continue to grow. As a society, we must remain vigilant, championing responsible journalism that informs, enlightens, and fosters a healthy democracy.
