Legacy media continues to collapse as Americans reaffirm their distrust. Institutions like CNN, MSNBC, and The Washington Post have been deteriorating for years, and recent events are deepening fault lines in the industry. Recent events like Lester Holt leaving NBC, Joy Reid being fired from MSNBC, new directives for the Washington Post fuel discussions about the future of traditional news.

Around 60% of voter discussions express frustration with media bias and selective reporting. Most people view legacy outlets as tools of the Democratic Party rather than independent institutions. There is a sense of relief and even schadenfreude as media outlets struggle to attract an audience while losing influence.

Distrust in Media Continues to Freefall

Public skepticism toward mainstream outlets has hardened.

• Around 60% of discussions express outright distrust of legacy media, citing bias and manipulated narratives.
• Another 30% cite frustration with sensationalist coverage and corporate control, with mentions of Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post.

Conservatives and independent voters see a coordinated media effort to protect the Democratic establishment while attacking Trump and his allies. Jeff Bezos’s recent mandate to the Washington Post to cover “personal liberties and free markets,” draws backlash from the left. However, many on the right remain skeptical of Bezos, questioning his motives.

The belief that legacy media operates as a political arm of the Democratic Party is now mainstream among center-right voters, with 65% of right leaning discussions categorizing these outlets as actively partisan rather than merely biased. The press once positioned itself as the watchdog of power. Today, much of the electorate sees it as protecting power.

Trump’s recent action to take over decisions making on presidential pool access further complicates these conversations. This decision gets praise from supporters as a necessary move to combat biased and hostile outlets. But critics say a president choosing his own press coverage is an overreach of power. Some worry future Democratic administrations will exploit this strategy to ban outlets like Fox from the press pool.

Financial and Audience Decline

Legacy news outlets facing financial struggles further reinforce perceptions of a dying industry. The Washington Post reported a $77 million loss last year, which many say prompted Bezos to overhaul its opinion section. While the left sees this as a betrayal of the paper’s progressive identity, the right views it as a corporate strategy to cling to relevance as trust in legacy outlets evaporates.

MSNBC and NBC recently fired or lost major hosts Joy Reid and Lester Holt, causing speculation about broader instability in newsrooms struggling with credibility. Some say these layoffs are a response to declining ratings and public distrust. Others see them as a sign that legacy media is shedding its more overtly partisan actors to regain trust.

Across the board, subscriptions and viewership are declining, particularly among younger demographics who now turn to independent outlets, YouTube streamers, and social media figures for news. While legacy media still holds institutional power, its grip on public discourse is fast declining.

The Rise of Digital Journalism

Many Americans are increasingly ignoring traditional media outlets and getting news from independent sources. Social media platforms, Substack, and streaming video channels are gaining traction as trust and viewership for mainstream outlets plummet. Major networks’ failure to provide balanced reporting on key political events—from Biden’s cognitive decline, the Epstein files, to financial corruption—drives audiences away.

This shift isn’t just about bias—it’s about accessibility. The media landscape is fragmenting into a decentralized network of information sources, where corporate narratives can no longer remain unchallenged. While legacy outlets struggle to adapt, independent journalists and commentators are thriving, particularly those on Rumble, X, and digital platforms that allow open political debate.

Can Legacy Media Rebuild Trust?

The trajectory for traditional media looks bleak. The current landscape is defined by two competing forces—a crumbling media establishment attempting to regain trust and a rising independent sphere that thrives on institutional distrust.

This doomed future seems all but sealed with the Trump administration publicly embracing independent and new media journalists. Traditional outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and the Washington Post now have a wider set of competition. Many Americans are happy to watch what they view as a corrupt media monolith crumbling.

The long-awaited release of the Epstein files was billed as a moment of radical transparency, a chance for the public to finally peer behind the curtain of elite corruption. Instead, what arrived was perceived as a theatrical unveiling of nothing, only deepening skepticism. The files, heavily redacted and offering no new bombshells, were met with collective disbelief and frustration.

The reaction to this event exposes a fractured public discourse, one where trust in legal institutions has eroded almost entirely. Social media influencers wield as much narrative power as mainstream journalists and questioning official stories is framed as conspiratorial. If the goal was to silence Epstein speculation, it has backfired.

Some are calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi to resign after the Epstein files debacle. pic.twitter.com/2CnbqPN2a8

— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) March 2, 2025

Skepticism as Default

Releasing “Phase 1” of the Epstein files, which had essentially already been public, further cements a widespread belief that powerful institutions protect their own. Across social media and independent commentary, the dominant narratives are distrust, obfuscation, and the belief that the truth remains buried.

• Over 60% of discussions suggest the way these files were handled was not incompetence but intentional misdirection. People are increasingly cynical, no longer asking whether they are being misled, but how thoroughly the deception is being orchestrated.
• 75% of discourse frames the timing and execution of the release as a strategic distraction rather than an act of transparency. Questions linger about what the government seeks to divert attention from—broader elite corruption, political maneuvering, or another crisis quietly unfolding behind the scenes.

MIG Reports data shows a substantial level of engagement is described as “conspiratorial” by establishment-leaning voices, yet this label no longer carries the same dismissive weight.

The gatekeeping occurring with the Epstein Files drop is a horrible look. 😬

— Diligent Denizen 🇺🇸 (@DiligentDenizen) February 27, 2025

The Rise of Social Media Gatekeepers

Where mainstream journalism once dictated public discourse, the terrain has shifted. Social media influencers—once seen as alternative voices—are becoming primary gatekeepers of narrative power. Their access to leaks, exclusive commentary, and ability to mobilize audiences leaves traditional media scrambling to maintain authority.

• Personal Brand vs. Investigative Integrity: Around 55% of reactions critique influencers for treating the Epstein files as engagement bait rather than serious investigative material. There is a fine line between exposing corruption and commodifying it, and many view influencers as straddling that line.
• Media Authority Eroding: A key takeaway is that legacy media has lost control of the Epstein narrative, with 65% of discussions suggesting traditional outlets downplay or ignore the case, while independent voices keep it alive.

Americans sense this emergent, decentralized ecosystem of information control, one where trust is fragmented, and where influencers—many without journalistic backgrounds—hold as much narrative influence as major news organizations. This is not necessarily perceived as an improvement. Replacing one set of compromised storytellers with another does not bring truth, only a new form of curated reality.

The Theater of Justice

Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have become central figures in the public’s frustration with how this case is unfolding. Their involvement causes suspicion and accusations of political opportunism.

• Bondi’s Gambit: Bondi’s demand for additional documents was initially framed as a move toward transparency, but 70% of discourse views it as a calculated maneuver to maintain control over the narrative.
• Patel Walks a Tightrope: FBI Director Kash Patel faces similar accusations of political theater. 60% of reactions suggest he intends to project an illusion of justice while ensuring truly damaging information never reaches the public.
• The Broader Trend: Roughly 60% of commentary points to a larger pattern of law enforcement being politicized rather than serving justice. The perception is that figures like Bondi and Patel are managing damage control, not uncovering truth.

Did people think once Trump got in that I and anyone else who isn't a paid shill were going to just never be critical of his administration?

If you find yourself making excuses for Pam Bondi, or quite frankly Kash Patel at this point, your criticism of the previous admin is moot

— TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) March 2, 2025

The Fallout and What Comes Next

The Epstein file release has not provided resolution, but many speculate about what’s coming.

“Revelations” Without Real Consequences

Additional document releases will likely occur in phases, not to reveal truth, but to manage public reaction in increments. Expect continued redactions, calculated leaks, and the controlled release of just enough information to keep people engaged without toppling the system.

Social Media as the Primary Battlefield

Legacy media will continue to cede narrative control to influencers, whether willingly or by force. The battle over what is “real” information will play out in a fragmented ecosystem where independent voices wield unprecedented influence.

Institutional Distrust Will Deepen

As more redactions and half-truths emerge, public confidence in law enforcement, the DOJ, and intelligence agencies will further erode. We are approaching a point where even genuine institutional actions will be dismissed outright, creating a cycle where nothing is trusted, and everything is suspect.

Polarization Will Intensify

The Epstein saga will continue to serve as a litmus test for broader societal divides, reinforcing echo chambers where people interpret the case through rigid ideological lenses. Instead of shared outrage leading to unity, it will likely deepen partisan entrenchment.

Controlled Opposition

Public calls for full disclosure will continue, but any meaningful truth will be drip-fed in ways that ultimately protect institutional power while maintaining the illusion of responsiveness.

Ultimately, the Epstein file release serves as yet another reminder of the chasm between the governed and the governing. The public was promised revelations, but instead they received a staged information war. Many believe the truth will not be unveiled in a courtroom or a DOJ press conference—it will be pieced together in fragments, buried beneath layers of obfuscation, and left for those willing to dig through the wreckage.

The now infamous February 28, 2025 press conference between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky reshaped American discourse on Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy, and NATO's future. What was expected to be a diplomatic gladhand became an anvil sinking American feelings toward Zelensky, Ukraine, and U.S. involvement.

The immediate fallout showed a significant shift in public sentiment—both about Trump’s aggressive approach and Zelensky’s leadership. Discussions moved beyond Democratic moral arguments about Ukraine’s sovereignty to align more with Trump’s pragmatic assessment of America’s national interests.

.@VP: "Do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?"@POTUS: "You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards ... You're… pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025

Americans Turn on Ukraine Aid

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, U.S. policy on Ukraine under Biden was clear: unwavering financial and military support. That consensus fractured in real-time during the presser, as Trump openly questioned continued aid, demanded economic concessions, and dismissed Zelensky’s calls security guarantees.

American reactions online confirm that U.S. voters are doubling down on a trend that was already underway which proposes halting Ukraine aid. Voters are adamant about prioritizing domestic concerns and diplomatic solutions over indefinite financial or military support.

• 35% of the discussion is critical of continued Ukraine aid, with growing concern over corruption, mismanagement, and war fatigue.
• 25% expresses declining confidence in Zelensky’s leadership, arguing he is prolonging the war for personal or political gain.
• 22% distrust in U.S. and European leadership, with critics viewing Ukraine as a proxy war orchestrated by Western elites.
• 15% pro-Ukraine sentiment, as even traditional backers are losing faith in Zelensky’s diplomatic approach.
• In discussions specifically about Ukraine aid, 50% call for reassessing U.S. involvement, reflecting a clear shift toward an isolationist sentiment.

• Trump’s sentiment improved post-presser, indicating his assertive stance on Ukraine resonated with voters who are skeptical of foreign aid.
• Zelensky’s sentiment dipped, confirming a loss of confidence in his leadership, even among Americans who support Ukraine.
• The debate is now centered on U.S. policy choices rather than Ukraine’s war efforts, signaling American voters are prioritizing domestic concerns.

Trump’s America First Doctrine Gains Ground

For conservatives, Trump’s message reasserts America’s priorities. His rejection of unconditional aid and push for economic reciprocity resonates with voters growing skeptical of costly, indefinite foreign entanglements.

• 60% of Republicans support Trump’s handling of the meeting, seeing his stance as a necessary correction to Biden's unchecked interventionism.
• Many conservatives say Zelensky was overreaching, failing to recognize the political realities of a shifting U.S. administration.
• NATO skepticism deepens, with concerns that Europe relies too heavily on U.S. military and financial support.

Support for Trump

• America First: More voters now see Trump's demand for economic concessions as pragmatic rather than betraying Ukraine.
• No endless war: Many believe Trump is right to push for peace talks instead of committing to an indefinite conflict.
• Frustration with Zelensky: Many view Zelensky’s demands for U.S. security assurances as entitled and unrealistic.
• Bipartisan aid negativity: Even some Independents and Democrats acknowledge that America cannot bankroll Ukraine indefinitely.

Criticism of Trump

• Too aggressive: Critics say Trump’s public confrontation with Zelensky was undiplomatic and unnecessarily humiliating.
• Embolden enemies: There are concerns Trump's stance on Ukraine aid could weaken U.S. influence and embolden adversaries like Russia and China.
• Aligning with Putin: Critics say Trump’s skepticism toward Ukraine aid betrays democracy and aligns the U.S. with Putin.

Zelensky Faces Scrutiny

Amid deep partisan divides, an emerging consensus across the aisle was that Zelensky miscalculated his strategy in the meeting. His demand for military guarantees, resistance to diplomatic solutions, and failure to secure U.S. backing left many questioning his leadership and saying he fumbled the press conference.

• 55% of pro-Ukraine Americans believe Zelensky mishandled the meeting, marking a major decline in confidence among his strongest supporters.
• 25% of all discussions frame Zelensky as prolonging the war for personal or political reasons, rather than prioritizing a path to peace.
• Americans are skeptical that Ukraine can win without help from the U.S.
• Following the event, many say Zelensky’s refusal to engage in peace talks harms Ukraine and his inflexibility endangers Ukrainian lives.

While international voices largely defend Zelensky, Americans say he left the press conference weaker, with a damaged public image.

Support for Zelensky

• Symbol of resistance: Many still see Zelensky as the face of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and democracy.
• Desperate situation: Defenders say Zelensky had no choice but to advocate aggressively for his nation’s survival.
• European support: Some say widespread international condemnation of Trump’s aggressive confrontation with Zelensky reinforces Ukraine’s credibility abroad.

Criticism of Zelensky

• Denies reality: Critics say Zelensky doesn’t accept the Trump administration’s priorities, thinking Ukraine had more leverage than it truly does.
• Entitled and defiant: A majority of pro-Ukraine Americans believe he mishandled the meeting by failing to adapt his negotiation style.
• Alienating America: Many say instead of securing the minerals deal, Zelensky’s combative stance weakened Ukraine’s standing in Washington.
• Refusing diplomacy: Some say rejecting the ceasefire talks showed unrealistic expectations about the war’s outcome.

Declining American Sentiment

American sentiment toward both Zelensky and Ukraine has dropped compared to six months ago.

• Zelensky’s 14-day average sentiment is 36% today compared to 43% six months ago.
• The 14-day average sentiment toward Ukraine is 36% today compared to 45% six months ago.

U.S. Frustration with NATO

The meeting also forced a public reevaluation of Washington’s foreign policy framework. For years, Democrats have framed defending Ukraine as a moral obligation. This press conference redefined the conversation to one firmly centered on U.S. national interest.

• 22% of conversations express distrust toward U.S. and European leaders, viewing Ukraine as a pawn in a larger geopolitical struggle.
• There are growing calls for Europe to take on more responsibility, suggesting NATO’s future hinges on whether the U.S. continues footing the bill.
• Americans say both European NATO countries and Ukraine rely on U.S. military protection, placing them at the mercy of American priorities.

Trump’s approach—a mix of transactional diplomacy and outright rejecting endless foreign entanglements—is now the dominant position within the GOP. Meanwhile, Democrats remain largely committed to continued aid, though even within their ranks, there is growing frustration toward Zelensky.

A Defining Moment for U.S. Foreign Policy

The Trump-Zelensky press conference was a critical event that is reframing American views on the U.S. role in global politics.

• Trump’s actions in the discussion are divisive but, post-presser, indicate growing confidence in his leadership on the issue.
• Ukraine’s standing in Washington is shakier than ever, with more lawmakers questioning long-term aid commitments.
• The American public is moving away from moralistic interventionism toward pragmatic, interest-driven diplomacy.