Rebuilding Trust in Journalism Amid Political Storms: Lessons from Trump and the Media

Introduction: Journalism at a Crossroads in the Trump Era

As the world hurtles toward an age of disinformation, manipulated narratives, and deepening political polarization, the role of journalism has never been more contested—or more critical. In a powerful student-led initiative, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, Keio University’s Media and Communication Research Institute, and Nikkei hosted a cross-cultural discussion titled “Trump and the Media: Rethinking Journalism.” This dialogue, held in Tokyo and joined by nearly 3,800 students both in-person and online, tackled the mounting tensions between media and power, the ethical obligations of journalists, and the pathways to restoring public trust in the press.

From Trump’s authoritarian tactics to the corrosive influence of social media, the event captured a global journalistic ecosystem under siege—yet also spotlighted avenues for innovation, transparency, and ethical revitalization. The conversations highlighted how the media must now fight not just for attention, but for survival.

the Original

On June 14th, a major academic forum titled “Trump and the Media” convened at Keio University in Tokyo, drawing together global media scholars and journalists to explore the evolving landscape of journalism in the Trump era. The forum was part of a collaborative student project supported by Columbia University, Keio University, and Nikkei, attracting roughly 270 in-person attendees and 3,500 online viewers.

The discussion focused on the erosion of public trust in media, the pressures of digital misinformation, and the role of journalism in democratic societies. Margaret Sullivan of Columbia noted the destabilizing impact of Trump’s persistent election denialism and media attacks, while FT’s Anna Nicolaou warned of media burnout amid disinformation overload. Keio’s Professor Mizutani emphasized how algorithms on social platforms distort attention, giving an advantage to fake news over factual reporting.

Nikkei’s Yūri Momoi spoke candidly about growing skepticism toward traditional media, fueled by narratives that label legacy outlets as elite or biased. She underscored Japan’s pluralistic speech environment, cautioning against unchecked criticism of legitimate journalism. The panelists discussed potential solutions: Sullivan called for media courage and innovation in storytelling; Nicolaou pointed to transparency measures like showing article authorship and process; Mizutani stressed the need for stronger media ethics, fact-checking systems, and cooperation with tech platforms to elevate trustworthy content.

In keynote remarks, Columbia’s Jelani Cobb and Professor Sullivan linked media’s survival to democracy itself. They highlighted the disruptive role of AI and social media, which have transformed the business model of journalism and undermined its credibility. Sullivan reflected on her career from local journalism to national crises under Trump, noting how partisan reporting and advertiser-driven platforms helped erode civic engagement. The forum concluded with a call to action: journalism must evolve, remain vigilant, and reaffirm its role as a watchdog in turbulent times.

What Undercode Say:

The Keio-Columbia-Nikkei event is emblematic of a larger global reckoning: Journalism isn’t just about facts anymore—it’s about survival in an era where power manipulates narrative, attention is algorithmically hijacked, and truth is filtered through tribal identity. Trump’s relentless assault on the press has only amplified existing fault lines, exposing how fragile public trust has become. But this isn’t just an American problem—it’s a systemic, worldwide crisis.

Panelists rightly pointed out that the very structure of modern media is under siege. With the fall of traditional revenue models, media organizations are forced to chase clicks over context, outrage over accuracy. The result is a vicious cycle: the more media caters to audience bias, the more fragmented and untrusting that audience becomes.

Japan presents a fascinating contrast. While not immune to fake news or populist rhetoric, its media ecosystem still supports pluralistic voices. Yet, even there, social media’s influence grows rapidly, threatening to replicate the very fragmentation seen in the U.S.

Sullivan’s call for courage and creativity resonates deeply. Journalism must once again become compelling—without compromising ethics. News should not have to compete with conspiracy theories on the same playing field. Instead, it must redefine what engaging, truthful content looks like in 2025. Transparency, corrections, and accountability must be norms—not exceptions.

Nicolaou’s observation on media burnout is also critical. Many journalists today face online abuse, professional instability, and a sense that their efforts barely move the needle in a post-truth society. Rebuilding morale within newsrooms is as essential as regaining public trust outside of them.

Meanwhile, AI poses both a threat and an opportunity. Generative tools can automate fact-checking, detect manipulated content, and visualize complex data—but in the wrong hands, these same tools deepen the flood of disinformation. The future of journalism depends on who controls these tools and how ethical boundaries are drawn.

Finally, the Columbia motto cited in the event—“We were there, where the story needed to be told”—is more than poetic. It’s a reminder that journalism is not a passive recorder but an active witness. As AI and authoritarianism converge, that role has never been more vital.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

✅ Claim: Trust in traditional media has declined in both the U.S. and Japan.
→ Verified. Surveys from Pew Research and Japan’s NHK show historic lows in media trust.

✅ Claim: Trump has threatened or sued media outlets during and after his presidency.
→ Verified. Numerous lawsuits and public threats have been documented.

❌ Claim: AP was banned from the Oval Office for not using “America Bay” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.”
→ Not confirmed; this appears to be a symbolic exaggeration or hypothetical example rather than a documented executive order.

📊 Prediction

With Trump returning to the presidency in 2025, media suppression tactics will likely escalate. Expect renewed attacks on outlets deemed “unfavorable,” increased use of executive power to restrict press access, and strategic lawsuits designed to intimidate smaller publications. However, these actions may also trigger a renaissance in nonprofit, reader-funded journalism and elevate global coalitions advocating for press freedom. In parallel, AI tools will emerge as both a weapon and shield—some used to create synthetic propaganda, others to protect truth. Journalism will not die—but it will be forced to mutate, or be left behind.