Fact Check: Bannon claims Fox News is trying to eliminate Trump from politics
What We Know
Steve Bannon, a former strategist for Donald Trump, recently made headlines by asserting that Fox News is attempting to marginalize Trump from the political landscape. During a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Bannon accused Fox News of showing "disloyalty" to Trump and suggested that the network has effectively placed a "soft ban" on him and his family. He expressed this sentiment by stating, “Murdoch, you’ve deemed Trump’s not going to be president. Well, we’ve deemed that you’re not going to have a network” (The Wrap). Bannon's comments were met with enthusiastic support from the audience, indicating a significant backing from the MAGA crowd (The Wrap).
Bannon's remarks were partly fueled by Rupert Murdoch's recent deposition in a defamation lawsuit involving Dominion Voting Systems, where it was revealed that several Fox News hosts privately expressed discomfort with the network's promotion of Trump's claims regarding the 2020 election (The Wrap). This has led to speculation about the network's loyalty to Trump, especially considering Bannon's assertion that Fox News is not providing adequate coverage of Trump since he announced his candidacy for the 2024 election (Politico).
Analysis
Bannon's claim hinges on his interpretation of Fox News' recent actions and statements, particularly in light of Murdoch's deposition. The testimony revealed that prominent Fox News personalities were aware of the misinformation being propagated about the 2020 election but continued to support it on-air, which Bannon cites as evidence of the network's betrayal of Trump (The Wrap).
The reliability of Bannon's assertions can be evaluated through the lens of his history and motivations. Bannon has been a polarizing figure, known for his strong rhetoric and commitment to Trump's agenda. His statements are likely influenced by his desire to galvanize Trump's base against perceived enemies, including media outlets like Fox News. This context raises questions about the objectivity of his claims, as they are designed to resonate with a specific audience that feels betrayed by the mainstream media.
Furthermore, while Bannon's accusations reflect a growing rift between Trump supporters and Fox News, they also highlight a broader narrative within conservative circles regarding media loyalty. The audience's enthusiastic response to Bannon's comments suggests that there is a significant portion of Trump's base that shares his view, indicating that this conflict is not merely a personal vendetta but part of a larger ideological battle (The Wrap, Politico).
Conclusion
The claim that Bannon asserts Fox News is trying to eliminate Trump from politics is True. Bannon's statements at CPAC, coupled with the context of Murdoch's deposition and the reactions from the audience, support the notion that he believes Fox News is undermining Trump's political future. While Bannon's motivations and the reliability of his claims may be questioned, the essence of his assertion aligns with the sentiments expressed by a significant faction of Trump's supporters.
