MSM Concerned With Trump's 'Echo Chamber': New Media

The notion of "new media" acting as an echo chamber for Donald Trump’s talking points has been a topic of discussion in mainstream media, political commentary, and posts on X, reflecting concerns about the evolving media landscape and its impact on political discourse.

"New media" refers to non-traditional, often digital-first outlets, including right-leaning platforms like Newsmax, The Blaze, One America News Network (OANN), Breitbart, and newer entities such as Right Side Broadcasting Network (RSBN). 

It also encompasses influential social media personalities, podcasters, and bloggers who bypass legacy media gatekeepers to reach audiences directly. Unlike mainstream media (MSM) outlets like The New York Times, CNN, or The Washington Post, new media often aligns with conservative or populist ideologies, particularly those associated with Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. These outlets leverage platforms like X, YouTube, and Rumble to amplify their reach, often prioritizing engagement over traditional journalistic standards.

TWH Press Spox

Evidence of New Media as an Echo Chamber: In February 2025, the Trump administration took control of the White House press pool, traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association, allowing it to select which outlets cover the president. This led to the inclusion of new media outlets like Newsmax and The Blaze, replacing outlets like HuffPost and Reuters. Vanity Fair reported this shift as turning the press pool into a “MAGA echo chamber,” noting that new media representatives often avoid challenging Trump and instead promote his agenda.

A New York Times report highlighted that while MSM journalists ask critical questions, new media figures focus on softer topics, like Trump’s fitness plan, or repeat administration talking points, reinforcing narratives favorable to Trump.

Outlets like RSBN and Sinclair-owned stations are described as prioritizing Trump’s agenda, such as his tariff policies or immigration stance, with minimal critical scrutiny. This aligns with NPR’s coverage of Trump’s March 2025 address to Congress, where he praised new media-friendly figures like Elon Musk and DOGE, reinforcing their role in promoting his “commonsense revolution.”