Looks like the mainstream media is changing tune.
In a recent appearance on MSNBC, former New York Times columnist Paul Krugman took aim at mainstream media outlets, accusing them of softening their coverage of President Donald Trump. Krugman, who left the Times in late 2023 after more than 20 years with the publication, argued that the news media were often reluctant to report the truth about the chaos surrounding Trump’s presidency.
“The mainstream media is invaluable, no doubt,” Krugman said. “I’ve relied on reporting from organizations like the Times and others, but there’s a tendency to ‘sanewash.’ They’re often unwilling to simply report the outrageous or bizarre actions, and that’s a problem. We’re living in a time where crazy things are happening, and it needs to be said.”
Krugman’s comments come at a time when there is increasing distrust in the media among American voters, many of whom feel that the press has not been straightforward or objective when it comes to covering Trump’s administration. With the media’s credibility taking a hit during the Trump years, questions have arisen about how best to report on a president who, as Krugman put it, is anything but “moderate or sensible.”
Krugman, who now runs his own independent newsletter, said his new platform gives him the freedom to speak more directly and honestly about the political landscape. “This isn’t a time for moderation or for trying to seem ‘sensible,’” he stated. “We’re facing unprecedented challenges, and it’s important to call it like it is.”
In recent years, Krugman has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s economic policies, particularly his immigration agenda, which he argues could harm industries like food production and construction. His remarks reflect broader concerns that the Trump presidency has exposed deep divisions within American politics and media, divisions that continue to shape how voters view both the president and the press.