Republicans' trust in media makes sharp comeback
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For the first time in years, trust in media is rebounding among Americans, a sign of optimism as the country faces record levels of polarization and distrust in traditional institutions.
Why it matters: Driving that trend has been a sharp increase in trust among Republicans.
By the numbers: Around one-third of Americans (33%) say they have a great deal or a fair amount of trust in mass media, according to a new Gallup survey, up from 28% last year — a record low.
- Republicans' trust sharply rebounded from 8% last year to 22% today, while Democrats fell slightly from 51% to 50%.
Context: The survey was conducted Sept. 1–17, before outlets were banned from the White House.
Zoom out: Trump's election in 2016 drove a historically high gap between Democrats' and Republicans' trust in mass media.
- Today, that gap has narrowed, as Americans across the political spectrum report historically low trust levels.
What to watch: The access battle between the White House and select outlets has escalated, as the press grows concerned that the administration will try to find other ways to restrict access.
- On Monday, CNN, MS NOW and Politico asked the judge overseeing their lawsuit against the administration to stop President Trump from reviving the ban.
