NPR

Study: News Coverage Of Trump More Negative Than For Other Presidents

Reports on the current president are also less policy-focused and more about Trump's personality, according to The Pew Research Center. But that is not necessarily a reflection of the outlet's bias.
President Trump takes questions from reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday. / Drew Angerer / Getty Images

Compared to other recent presidents, news reports about President Trump have been more focused on his personality than his policy, and are more likely to carry negative assessments of his actions, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center's Journalism Project.

Researchers studied news stories from the early months of Trump's presidency, determining whether each story evaluated Trump overall in a positive or negative light. If a story had at least twice as many positive as negative statements, Pew said it had an overall positive assessment of the president. The reverse was also true for stories with a negative assessment.

Fully two-thirds of news

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
My Octopus Teacher's Craig Foster Dives Into The Ocean Again In 'Amphibious Soul'
Nature's healing power is an immensely personal focus for Foster. He made his film after being burned out from long, grinding hours at work. After the release of the film, he suffered from insomnia.
NPR3 min readAmerican Government
In W. Va. Primary, Establishment Candidates For Governor Highlight Culture War Issues
Several Republicans with deep ties to state politics vye in the primary to face the Democrat in November
NPR3 min read
With 'Bleisure' And Fewer Workers, The American Hotel Is In Recovery
A new type of traveler is part of the post-pandemic reset at U.S. hotels, along with fewer daily cleanings and pancake-slinging machines.

Related Books & Audiobooks