How the Newsmax Lawsuit Reveals Fox News’s Influence Over Donald Trump

The fallout from Donald Trump’s claims about the 2020 election changed the landscape of conservative media in the U.S. One of the first cracks appeared at Fox News when they called Arizona for Joe Biden on election night. This decision angered Trump and prompted him to attack the network.

Jenny Brethen, a longtime Fox viewer, made the switch to Newsmax the very next day, stating, “Once you do something like that, you’re done in our book.” She wasn’t alone; many other viewers followed suit, driven by a desire for a media source that aligned more closely with Trump’s views. Newsmax capitalized on this shift and began attracting former Fox stars, hoping to woo dissatisfied viewers.

After the election, Fox had to respond. They showcased more content that appealed to Trump supporters, even letting go of hosts who were skeptical of him. This pivot included hiring key figures like Lara Trump and Kayleigh McEnany.

Recent events continued to shake things up. In 2023, Tucker Carlson, one of Fox’s biggest stars, was fired after the network settled a massive defamation lawsuit for $787.5 million. Internal documents revealed that Carlson and other executives knew the election fraud claims were false, yet aired them anyway. This led to more damage control and an exodus of more MAGA supporters to Newsmax.

A 2023 New Hampshire poll showed a stark contrast in viewer opinions: 95% of Newsmax viewers viewed Trump favorably, compared to only 64% of Fox viewers. Newsmax has been steadily gaining ground, even going public this year and partnering with Trump Media to expand their streaming services.

Despite these changes, Trump’s relationship with Fox has shown a complex evolution. After announcing his presidential candidacy for 2024, he returned to Fox for a major interview, likely realizing he needed the network’s massive reach. Since then, Fox’s ratings have rebounded, outperforming all major TV networks, including ABC and CBS.

Meanwhile, Newsmax executives argue they could have been more competitive if not for Fox’s tactics, claiming the network’s “exclusionary scheme” stifles competition. They filed a lawsuit in Florida, seeking damages under various laws. However, the case hit a snag when it was dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon, who demanded a more specific complaint.

Fox responded to Newsmax’s claims by questioning their ratings and credibility, arguing that they wouldn’t have spent so much time attacking Newsmax unless they felt threatened. In the current landscape, both networks are in a tug-of-war for the hearts of conservative viewers, with each trying to solidify their place in a rapidly changing media game.

The back-and-forth shows not just competition, but also a reflection of how intertwined politics and media have become. As more viewers seek outlets that reflect their beliefs, the dynamics between these networks will continue to evolve. The power struggle is not just about ratings but also about shaping narratives in a polarized political landscape.

For more insights on political trends, you can explore reliable sources like Pew Research Center, which regularly publishes data on media consumption and public opinion.

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