by Quinn Thurman

March 10, 2025

In recent weeks, significant changes have unfolded across our nation. Following Donald Trump’s electoral victory, the federal government has implemented extensive policy reforms focused on securing the borders, maintaining law and order, promoting stability in the Middle East, enacting spending reductions, and advancing an unapologetic “America First” agenda. If you are reading this, I assume you recognize the positive implications of these developments; however, I would like to elaborate on why these changes may be even more advantageous than initially perceived.
For the purpose of this discussion, I will refer to the term “establishment media” to denote various media outlets that predominantly express left-leaning viewpoints. This category includes organizations such as CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal (“The Usual Suspects”). These outlets have historically influenced public perception through their reporting. In 2024, however, their biases became increasingly apparent, stripping away any semblance of subtlety. Rather than merely suggesting that one candidate was preferable, they unequivocally labeled Donald Trump as a malevolent figure, describing him as a sex offender, warmonger, racist, corrupt felon or just plain ol’ Hitler. In their efforts to undermine his candidacy, the establishment media appeared to disregard journalistic integrity, yet their attempts ultimately proved ineffective.
Trump’s victory in November signifies not only the potential for the implementation of effective policies but also represents a rejection of the establishment media’s narrative. For years, these outlets have dictated electoral preferences, ideologies, and public discourse, yet the American electorate responded with a definitive “no.”
Furthermore, the landscape of information consumption has evolved significantly. According to Forbes, viewership across 18 cable and broadcast networks on Election Night 2024 fell by 25% compared to Election Night 2020. This decline was even more pronounced compared to the 2016 election, with a 41% drop in viewership. While the rise of streaming services contributes to this trend, it is evident that the establishment media is no longer the dominant force it once was. Data from Tubefilter indicates that YouTube captured the most significant share of Election Day viewership, accounting for over 80% of livestream engagement across platforms, followed by Rumble at 13.1%, with Twitch and Kick trailing behind.
Although YouTube is not entirely insulated from the influence of the establishment media, Trump’s victory highlights the growing appeal of independent and alternative media. For instance, following his interview with Trump, podcaster Joe Rogan reportedly gained 400,000 YouTube subscribers and tens of thousands of followers on other social media platforms.
The American public has increasingly asserted control over its information sources, distancing itself from traditional establishment media narratives. With Trump’s electoral success, a clear message has been sent: these media organizations do not wield the power they believe they possess. This marks a pivotal shift in the political landscape, and it is a transformation for which the people deserve credit.