The mainstream media and Trump are not friends. They’ve openly said as much.
But now a CNN host is in hot water after doing one unthinkable thing to Donald Trump.
Trump’s Momentum Builds with Key Wins
President Donald Trump’s recent string of achievements has marked a dynamic period for his administration, as highlighted by CNN host Michael Smerconish on his Saturday program.
“I‘m talking about offering an objective analysis in view of what‘s transpired in the last two weeks that I‘ve laid out substantively and with data. He‘s been on a roll,” Smerconish said, pointing to significant developments under Trump’s leadership.
He described the president’s actions as “consequential,” citing a column by Salena Zito and a comment by David Urban, urging viewers to assess Trump’s record with an open mind.
Recent successes include a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, a potential ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced June 23, and a NATO agreement to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, driven by Trump’s persistent advocacy, as reported by The Washington Post.
These milestones, alongside a Supreme Court ruling on June 27 limiting nationwide injunctions that have blocked Trump’s executive orders, emphasize a period of impactful governance, aligning with his campaign promise of decisive action.
Public Polarization Persists
Smerconish conducted a poll during his show, asking viewers if they would approach Trump’s presidency with an open mind. The results, revealed near the program’s end, showed 72% of respondents were unwilling to do so.
“I applaud those of you who are part of the 72% who say you do not have an open mind on Donald Trump, and the reason that I’m applauding you is not that I appreciate your closed-mindedness,” Smerconish said.
“I appreciate your candor. Like, you don’t want to hear it.” He acknowledged disagreements with some of Trump’s policies but emphasized their significance, stating, “I made the case at the outset of the program today that he’s had a good two weeks. No B.S. He’s winning, maybe not in a way you want. … But you got to stand back and say it’s consequential.”
The poll reflects deep divisions, with posts on X showing mixed reactions. Some users praised Trump’s swift actions, while others, like @PoliticalInsider, criticized media coverage for perceived bias against him.
A Reuters report noted that Trump’s ability to navigate complex international and domestic challenges has kept his administration in the spotlight, though public opinion remains split.
Media Dynamics and Trump’s Resilience
Smerconish suggested that media scrutiny may have inadvertently fueled Trump’s re-election.
“It’s like a parenting lesson. The more that you tell people what they can’t do, what’s intolerable, you must not do this, you should not do this, the more they’re going to rebel,” he said in a November 2024 interview, as cited by Politico.
This perspective frames Trump’s recent successes as a response to relentless criticism, with his administration capitalizing on opportunities to advance key priorities like trade deals and economic reforms, per Bloomberg News.
