Fox News’ Trey Yingst:‘Journalists Are Not the Enemy of the People’

Fox News’ chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst this past week delivered a pointed rebuke of President Donald Trump during his acceptance speech for the First Amendment Award at the Radio Television Digital News Association’s (RTDNA) annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

The event recognized Yingst for his exceptional journalism, particularly his coverage of global conflicts.

In his speech, Yingst directly addressed Trump’s oft-repeated claim that journalists are “the enemy of the people,” a phrase the former president has used to criticize media outlets he deems unfavorable. Yingst countered, saying, “Journalists are not the enemy of the people. Quite the opposite. Journalists are the voice of the people.” He emphasized the critical role of the press as the "fourth estate," amplifying the experiences of ordinary individuals and giving a platform to the voiceless. His remarks were a clear rejection of Trump’s narrative, reflecting a broader defense of journalistic integrity.

Yingst’s comments were grounded in his extensive experience reporting from conflict zones. He highlighted his work over recent years, covering nearly 20 countries, including Ukraine, Syria, and Israel. He gave special recognition to Palestinian journalists in Gaza, noting their bravery in risking—and often losing—their lives to report under dire circumstances. This nod underscored his broader point about the sacrifices journalists make to inform the public, further challenging the “enemy” label.

The RTDNA honored Yingst for his ability to “humanize the horror” of war, making distant conflicts relatable to audiences far removed from the front lines. The organization also praised his advocacy for journalist safety and mental health resources, a cause he’s championed amid the trauma inherent in war reporting. His speech aligned with these themes, framing journalism as a vital, human-centered endeavor rather than a adversarial force.

The moment drew attention due to Yingst’s position at Fox News, a network often aligned with Trump’s base, though its news division maintains a degree of editorial independence from its opinion shows. His rebuke, reported by outlets like Mediaite, sparked varied reactions. Some on X hailed it as a courageous stand, with one user noting it as a “shot across Trump’s bow,” while others distinguished between “real journalists” like Yingst and what they called “propagandist hacks,” reflecting the polarized views on media today.