Trump Ally Wants Right-Wing Media Control & War Propaganda

The escalating trend of wealthy individuals acquiring media companies, fueled by a desire to shape narratives, has drawn criticism, particularly in light of comments made by Pete Hegseth, a Secretary of Defense, regarding CNN. Hegseth openly expressed his hope for Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, to seize control of CNN, believing it would result in more favorable coverage of U.S. Foreign policy, specifically concerning the ongoing conflict in Iran. This incident highlights a broader concern about the potential for concentrated media ownership to undermine independent journalism and promote propaganda, mirroring tactics observed in countries like Hungary.

Mimicking the Orban Model: Media Consolidation and Control

The situation echoes a pattern documented in Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, where a systematic effort to consolidate media ownership among allies has resulted in a landscape dominated by pro-government messaging. As detailed in a report by the European Observer, Orbán’s government effectively suffocated independent journalism over the past 15 years by creating a media ecosystem where major outlets are controlled by individuals aligned with his political agenda. This strategy involved not only owning the media but also subtly restricting the operations of independent outlets. The concern is that a similar dynamic is unfolding in the United States, with figures like Ellison and Elon Musk acquiring significant stakes in media organizations.

Hegseth’s comments came after expressing frustration with CNN’s reporting on the Iran conflict, specifically their characterization of the situation as “intensifying.” He suggested that the network should instead frame the narrative as “Iran increasingly desperate.” This desire for a more favorable portrayal underscores the intent to use media control to influence public perception, a tactic frequently employed in authoritarian regimes. The irony, as noted by Roger Sollenberger, is that the Pentagon itself issued a press release stating the war *had* intensified, directly contradicting Hegseth’s preferred narrative.

The Illusion of Subtlety and the Trump Administration

The Trump administration, and those aligned with its policies, appear to lack the subtlety often associated with attempts to control the media. While some regimes attempt to mask their influence, Hegseth’s open desire for a compliant CNN is a stark example of a more direct approach. This lack of nuance is further exemplified by Donald Trump’s own public statements about interfering in media operations, as highlighted by James Ball. This overtness raises concerns about the erosion of the First Amendment and the principles of a free press.

The acquisition of media companies by wealthy individuals isn’t solely about political control; it’s also about building a “North Korea bullhorn” of propaganda, as described in the original post. The goal is to create a media landscape where dissenting voices are marginalized and a uniform message of praise is consistently disseminated. This ambition, however, faces significant challenges, including the sheer size and diversity of the United States, the decentralized nature of the internet, and the fact that many of those involved in these acquisitions “appear to have absolutely no Earthly idea what they’re actually doing.”

Financial Realities and Potential Pitfalls

The financial implications of these media acquisitions are also likely to present obstacles. Larry Ellison’s recent purchases of CBS and Warner Brothers have approach with substantial debt, forcing these companies to implement massive cost-cutting measures and layoffs. These layoffs could hinder their ability to maintain informational control and build an effective propaganda operation. Individuals like Bari Weiss, who have been brought in to lead these efforts, have demonstrated a lack of understanding of the complexities of running a news organization, as evidenced by her controversial decisions at CBS News.

The Resilience of a Diverse Media Landscape

Despite these efforts to consolidate media ownership, several factors suggest that complete control is unlikely. The American public still has agency and is increasingly turning to alternative platforms as they become disillusioned with traditional media. Even as Ellison acquires TikTok and Musk controls Twitter, people are migrating to other platforms that align with their values. This decentralized nature of the internet makes it hard to control the flow of information. The sheer size and diversity of the United States also present a significant challenge to any attempt to impose a uniform narrative.

The Role of Modern Drone Warfare

The immediate catalyst for Hegseth’s frustration appears to be the perceived lack of positive coverage regarding the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict in Iran. His criticism stems from a misunderstanding of the evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly the increasing prevalence and affordability of drones. As reported by NBC News, Ukraine’s successful use of anti-drone technology is in high demand as Iran deploys drones against its neighbors. This shift in warfare dynamics challenges traditional military strategies and makes it more difficult to achieve decisive victories, a reality that Trump seemingly failed to grasp.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The Democratic party’s historical weakness in addressing media policy and reform presents a further challenge. Even the progressive wing of the party has struggled to develop effective strategies for protecting independent journalism and promoting media diversity. However, the inherent difficulties in controlling information in a large and diverse country, coupled with the financial realities facing these newly acquired media companies, offer some grounds for optimism. The hubris of those attempting to control the narrative may ultimately lead to their downfall, providing a degree of “useful entertainment” as they attempt to impose their will on a resistant public.

The situation demands continued vigilance and a commitment to supporting independent journalism. While Larry Ellison and Elon Musk may attempt to reshape the media landscape, the public’s ability to seek out alternative sources of information and the inherent limitations of centralized control offer a degree of protection against the complete erosion of a free press.