A new analysis from the Media Research Center reveals that 92% of media coverage by ABC, CBS, and NBC during President Donald Trump’s first 100 days of his second term has been negative. The study focused on “evaluative comments” from anchors, reporters, and experts, excluding partisan guest opinions, ensuring a clear picture of institutional media bias.
The report tallied 1,841 explicitly evaluative statements about President Trump and his administration between January 20 and April 9, 2025. Of those, 1,698 were negative, while only 143 were positive. This marks an even harsher media tone compared to President Trump’s first term, where coverage was already overwhelmingly negative.
The contrast with media treatment of former President Joe Biden is stark. During Biden’s first 100 days, the same networks produced 59% positive coverage. The shift in narrative illustrates a double standard in how mainstream media outlets report on Republican versus Democratic administrations.
Coverage topics included tariffs, the Department of Government Efficiency, and illegal immigration. In all cases, the networks largely opposed President Trump’s policies. Even though polling indicates majority public support for Trump’s immigration plan, media narratives remained 93% negative on the subject.
Additional figures showed that others aligned with Trump faced similar media hostility. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received 100% negative coverage, while coverage of Elon Musk and the cryptocurrency DOGE was 96% negative.
The findings emphasize the deep-rooted challenges President Trump faces not only from political opponents but also from a legacy media apparatus hostile to his agenda and accomplishments.
