How top right-leaning online shows that claim to be nonpolitical covered Trump’s first 100 days
During the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term, popular online shows that self-identify as nonpolitical but have a right-leaning ideological bent have repeatedly discussed key figures, policies, and events of his administration. For example, they talked about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and related policy, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his various scandals, Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs, and pro-Russia talking points about its war with Ukraine. During these discussions, hosts mostly endorsed Trump administration policies or narratives, with some offering limited criticism.
In a recent study, Media Matters found the most popular online shows — an increasingly influential and trusted medium — are overwhelmingly right-leaning. Analyzing popular online shows that were active in 2024, Media Matters found 320 with a right-leaning or left-leaning ideological bent. Over a third self-identified as nonpolitical, even though we found that 72% of these shows were right-leaning. These shows described themselves as comedy, entertainment, sports, or sorted themselves into other supposedly nonpolitical categories.
In subsequent studies, we have found that this ecosystem of right-leaning shows, including the supposedly nonpolitical shows, has repeatedly pushed pro-Trump messaging or right-wing misinformation/narratives. And while some have criticized Trump’s unpopular tariff policy, the ecosystem still overwhelmingly supports him.
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