Bill Hansmann explores how U. S. presidents have historically been treated by the media, highlighting the severe criticism faced by Donald Trump compared to earlier leaders.
• All U. S. Presidents except William Henry Harrison have faced media vilification.
• George Washington did not escape media criticism, despite being a revered figure.
• Washington initially enjoyed a "honeymoon" period but soon faced intense criticism from newspapers and political opponents.
• Notable figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison openly opposed Washington’s policies, with some media accusing him of wanting to be a king.
• Washington's support for Jay’s Treaty complicated his standing, as it led to accusations and calls for impeachment.
• Criticism is a continuous theme in U. S. history, with Lincoln facing severe opposition, culminating in his assassination.
• Various other presidents have dealt with serious media pushback, including John Adams and Lincoln, who enacted controversial laws to suppress dissent.
• Trump's media challenges are part of a longstanding historical pattern in which presidents receive negative coverage, though modern attempts to restrict the media haven't led to extreme measures like imprisonment or execution.
• Hansmann suggests that media opposition is an expected part of being president; those who intend to avoid criticism are likely to face backlash.
The article emphasizes that media criticism of U. S. presidents is not new, and contemporary leaders like Trump are not uniquely maligned compared to their predecessors. The relationship between the media and the presidency has always been fraught, with criticism being a constant aspect of the presidential experience.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/05/the_presidency_and_the_media.html
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