President Donald Trump got feisty Sunday night when he took to Twitter to target a pair of Fox News personalities. A colleague responded firmly on Tuesday.
Fox News’ Julie Banderas decided to hit back at Trump, who had described anchors John Roberts and Gillian Turner as “having even less understanding of the Wall negotiations that the folks at FAKE NEWS CNN&NBC!”
Never thought I’d say this but I think @johnrobertsFox and @GillianHTurner @FoxNews have even less understanding of the Wall negotiations than the folks at FAKE NEWS CNN & NBC! Look to final results! Don’t know how my poll numbers are so good, especially up 19% with Hispanics?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2019
“Bullying journalists is not presidential. Period.”
Here’s how Banderas responded to Trump’s criticism of Fox News. At first, she simply replied to a follower who said that if she “can’t stand some criticism, she shouldn’t be in the news business.” Banderas responded, saying, “Bullying journalists is not presidential. Period.”
By going on Twitter and insulting two of our journalists @realDonaldTrump is putting a target on their backs. In turn his followers will then attack @johnrobertsFox and @GillianHTurner in support on Twitter. Bullying journalists is not Presidential. Period. https://t.co/xayShIojYj
— Julie Banderas (@JulieBanderas) January 28, 2019
Less than 30 minutes later, Banderas replied to another Twitter follower who agreed with her stance, but added, “But where have you been the last few years? Trump has criticized virtually EVERY OTHER REPORTER ON THE PLANET (other than Fox). Where were you when targets were being put on their backs?”
Banderas said, “I have always stood up for journalists no matter what network they work for. We should all support each other.”
I have always stood up for journalists no matter what network they work for. We all should support each other. https://t.co/ABE6UL7XRG
— Julie Banderas (@JulieBanderas) January 28, 2019
Trump Attacking Fox News?
As of this writing, the President has not responded to this Twitter thread. It’s not surprising to see the President go after the media – doing so is one of his favorite pastimes – but Fox News is usually seen as more in agreement with much of Trump’s agenda than combative.
Trump has called in to the programs of various Fox News personality programs like Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Jeanine Pirro, and Fox & Friends.
But Fox News?
Trump was not specific about what he believed John Roberts and Gillian Turner got wrong. Obviously, the President himself is going to have insights into backroom negotiations that most people, including most journalists, won’t know about. Still, it is the responsibility of the media to only report the truth, despite many not performing that basic function.
Still, is Donald Trump right to regularly call out journalists? Is Julie Banderas right to call out Trump for calling out journalists? Maybe somewhere in the middle is the right answer?
One thing is for certain. News that really is “fair and balanced” is needed right now more than ever.