In Donald Trump’s second term as president, a notable tactic has emerged – he expects and demands that major American institutions adhere to established norms and standards while blatantly disregarding rules himself. This dichotomy was exemplified in a recent incident involving ABC News and its suspension of Terry Moran, a senior national correspondent, for a critical social media post about Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy. The Trump administration, following its pattern, portrayed itself as the victim in response.
The controversy highlights the double standard at play, where accountability is enforced on others but not acknowledged for themselves. Moran’s comments on Miller, emphasizing his capacity for hatred, sparked a rapid backlash from the White House and Vice President JD Vance, who condemned the “smear” as hateful. ABC News, in response, suspended Moran, emphasizing its commitment to objectivity and impartiality.
This incident underscores the clash between traditional norms and Trump’s disruptive approach, where institutions like ABC News are expected to follow rules that the administration itself flouts. The dynamics of power and retaliation in Trump’s world are evident, with a history of legal battles and pressure tactics against media outlets critical of the administration. As the landscape of accountability shifts in Trump’s second term, the challenge remains for institutions to navigate these turbulent waters while upholding journalistic integrity and independence.
