A recent Media Research Center (MRC) study reveals a predominantly negative slant in major network news coverage of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees. The study, which analyzed broadcasts from ABC, CBS, and NBC between December 1st and 14th, found that 96% of the coverage dedicated to Trump's picks, including Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, Kash Patel for FBI Director, and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, was negative.
Over a two-week period, these networks devoted a combined 60 minutes and 47 seconds to covering the appointments. The MRC noted that nearly all commentary surrounding Gabbard, Patel, and other nominees was critical. The sole exception was Hegseth, who received a small amount of positive coverage, attributed entirely to statements made by his mother.
CBS led in coverage time, dedicating almost 25 minutes to the topic, with over 14 minutes focused on Hegseth. Although CBS had the highest overall negative coverage at 96.7%, their reporting on Hegseth was slightly less critical, at 88% negative. NBC followed with 21 minutes and 3 seconds of coverage, 94.7% of which was negative. NBC also stood out with 100% negative coverage of Hegseth. ABC allocated 19 minutes and 25 seconds, with 90% negative coverage.
The MRC observed that the networks' attention seemed to correlate with the perceived vulnerability of a nominee. For instance, coverage of Hegseth, initially intense due to allegations against him, diminished once his confirmation seemed more likely. Similarly, Patel received significant negative coverage until key Republican senators signaled their support. This pattern, according to the MRC, suggests a focus on nominees the networks believed they could influence against.
MRC founder Brent Bozell criticized the coverage, calling it "appalling" and suggesting a deliberate attempt to undermine the president-elect. He compared the situation to the media's treatment of Trump in 2016, arguing that the networks are trying to sabotage his administration before it even begins.
