Why Does Donald Trump Prefer MSNBC Over CNN?

Donald Trump has a well-documented penchant for criticizing media outlets, especially CNN. While the popular assumption might suggest that this is due to CNN's aggressive and often critical reporting, especially of his presidency, the underlying reasons for his preference for MSNBC are more nuanced and complex. Let's explore why.

The Frequency of CNN's Trump Coverage

One clear reason why Donald Trump finds CNN particularly annoying is the overwhelming focus on him. Viewers of MSNBC might notice that a significant portion of the programming revolves around Donald Trump. However, when CNN is tuned into, the Trump coverage can be nearly unrelenting. This constant barrage of reporting about Trump's actions and statements can be frustrating for him, leading to what he perceives as an unending moral crusade against him.

mnBC's Simplicity and Branding

Mentioning MSNBC can be simpler, as the name is shorter and easier to pronounce. When speaking publicly, especially during his presidency, Trump might view this as a subtle jab at CNN. There's also the advantage of distance; the name "MSNBC" is more likely to be interpreted as a neutral entity compared to the more recognizable CNN.

CNN's Fact-Checking and Lie Fabrication Accusations

A significant factor in his dislike of CNN is the network's habit of fact-checking him. CNN often uses lower-third crawls to call out his statements and lies live during broadcasts. For Trump, this is a constant reminder of where he falls short. His reactions to these catchphrases and fact-checks were so intense that the network even had to remove the offending catchphrases, at least temporarily. CNN's relentless fact-checking and its perceived role in undermining his credibility were major sources of his ire.

The Partisan Nature of MSNBC

MSNBC, on the other hand, is more overtly partisan. It does not pretend to be a non-partisan news channel like CNN. Despite this, MSNBC's approach might seem more respectful to Trump. Even hosts like Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, who often bait him live, seem to have a more direct and less bellicose method of engagement.

While MSNBC also has its share of critical hosts, Trump might perceive them as being more straightforward and less biased - a perception that may not be entirely accurate. He might find this approach less frustrating compared to CNN's more aggressive and vocal critics.

The Global Reach of CNN

CNN's global reach and its status as the first 24-hour news channel have established a strong presence worldwide. This global influence might contribute to Trump's perception of CNN as a threat to his narrative, not just in the US but internationally as well.

Contrastingly, MSNBC's influence within the US might be seen as less of a threat to his domestic narrative, even though it is no less partisan.

These factors, combined with personal grievances against specific CNN personalities like Jim Acosta, contribute to Donald Trump's preference for MSNBC. His ire is directed at CNN, but the reasons for this preference for MSNBC are rooted in the nature of the two networks' operations, their audience perception, and the geopolitical context in which he operates.

Understanding these dynamics can provide insights into the media landscape during his presidency and the ongoing discourse surrounding news bias and fact-checking.