The combination of perceived bias, economic challenges and competition from alternative media has led to a significant erosion of 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 sent out a tweet. “You are the media now. The news should come from the people. From those who are actually on the scene and those who are actually subject matter experts!” This statement has significant implications for the future of media, underscoring a shift towards citizen journalism and decentralized sources of information.

Additionally, this message aligns with sentiments espoused by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has long challenged the legitimacy of the mainstream media. Trump referred to CBS as a “fake news scam” whose operations are “totally illegal” and suggested that ABC should lose its broadcasting license. As Trump returns to office with a Republican-controlled Congress and a Supreme Court made up predominantly of appointees, the media’s traditional role as a democratic guarantor faces renewed challenges.

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

New battlefront for legacy media

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

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

“Trump has remade the federal judiciary in his first term,” George Washington University professor John Collins told Reuters. “Now he has the opportunity to cement that vision for an entire generation.”

During Trump’s first term, he tagged legacy media outlets like CNN, The New York Timesand others as “fake news,” creating a conflict relationship that has reshaped the public’s perception of the media. This rhetoric has led to increased distrust of traditional journalism and increased consumption of partisan, alternative media and platforms that favor user-generated content.

Trump’s combative approach has often involved restricting media access and actively encouraging his supporters to question established news sources. With Musk’s powerful platform X (formerly Twitter) echoing a similar sentiment, traditional media outlets may face deeper challenges to their relevance, especially as public trust shifts increasingly to direct, social and community news sources.

The role of mass media in US history

The media’s legacy function as a check on government power has been tested and strengthened repeatedly in US history. The Washington Posthis exposure of the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to President Nixon’s resignation, is one of the most famous examples.

Another critical case was that of New York Times‘ and Washington PostPublication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971, defying intense government pressure and revealing truths about the Vietnam War.

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

While Trump cannot constitutionally directly limit press freedoms, his administration’s influence on public sentiment could indirectly weaken the media’s impact, creating a chilling effect on journalistic independence.

Shift to citizen journalism and decentralized media

The rise of platforms like X, YouTube, and independent news sites have given individuals the tools to report the news directly.

However, this model is not without risks. While it empowers people to share insights overlooked by mainstream outlets, it can also amplify misinformation and irresponsibility. Even Elon Musk himself is the king of disinformation, having removed the fact-checking feature from X.

On Election Day, Musk went to X, where he praised the men, promoted anti-immigrant conspiracy theories and accused Democrats of voter fraud. It was typical of the billionaire, who has become one of Donald Trump’s strongest supporters and a prolific source of disinformation.

So Trump’s second term may further change the public’s trust in these decentralized sources, which he sees as a way to “eliminate bias.” However, this shift could come at the expense of vetted and vetted journalism, adding to the challenges traditional institutions face in maintaining their authority.

Global media response

International media organizations and press freedom advocates are likely to stand in solidarity with the US establishment if Trump steps up his campaign against the media.

Global support could strengthen the position of legacy media, highlighting the importance of independent journalism worldwide.

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

The Trump Administration’s “War Cabinet.”

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

Figures like Stephen Miller and others with histories of implementing policies focused on national security and “America First” populism are positioned to support Trump’s initiatives without challenging his decisions.

This administration could introduce policy changes that have an indirect impact on press freedom, such as pushing regulatory adjustments that empower alternative media at the expense of traditional channels.

In addition, Trump’s Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, has issued decisions that could diminish checks on the executive branch and alter the regulatory landscape, reducing legal safeguards that support federal agencies and the press.

Can it support legacy media?

For legacy media to remain resilient in this new environment, they may need to pivot strategically. 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 validate citizen input while maintaining rigorous journalistic standards. As Trump encourages populist news, the risk of echo chambers and disinformation is heightened, making fact-checking and investigative reporting all the more essential.

Ultimately, the survival of legacy media may depend on balancing its watchdog role with adaptability in a landscape dominated by citizen voices and populist influencers. Maintaining its constitutional mandate to check power, the media will face ongoing scrutiny, but remains positioned to adapt as a crucial democratic institution in this complex political landscape.

Despite conservative dominance in the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court, some experts remain optimistic that the media will continue to serve as a crucial check and balance. This confidence is rooted in the historical resilience of the media, even under intense political pressure.

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