Trumpssuperpowerisnolongerworking

Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, July 26th 2025 at 4:19 GMT by Salon
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Distracting the media and the public is not making the Epstein scandal go away

Trump's Once-Unstoppable Superpower Fades: Why the Former President's Media Dominance Is Slipping Away

In the ever-shifting landscape of American politics, few figures have wielded the power of narrative control as masterfully as Donald Trump. For years, the former president possessed what many observers described as a political superpower: an uncanny ability to bend the media cycle to his will, turning scandals into rallying cries, controversies into opportunities, and personal grievances into national obsessions. This talent propelled him from reality TV stardom to the White House, allowing him to dominate headlines, dictate talking points, and mobilize a fervent base that hung on his every tweet and rally rant. But as the 2024 presidential race heats up, signs are emerging that this superpower is faltering. Trump's grip on the public discourse is loosening, eroded by a combination of legal entanglements, electoral setbacks, and a growing sense of fatigue among voters and the media alike. What once seemed like an invincible force now appears vulnerable, raising questions about whether Trump can reclaim his throne or if his era of unchallenged dominance is truly over.

To understand the erosion of Trump's media mastery, it's essential to revisit how it all began. During his 2016 campaign, Trump revolutionized political communication by treating the press as both adversary and amplifier. He bypassed traditional gatekeepers, using social media to speak directly to millions, often in unfiltered, provocative bursts that guaranteed wall-to-wall coverage. Outrageous statements—whether about building walls, banning immigrants, or labeling opponents with nicknames like "Crooked Hillary"—weren't gaffes; they were calculated provocations designed to suck the oxygen out of the room. The media, hungry for clicks and ratings, played along, providing billions in free exposure. This symbiotic relationship continued into his presidency, where Trump turned press briefings into spectacles, scandals like the Russia investigation into witch hunts, and even impeachments into badges of honor. His base reveled in the chaos, viewing it as proof of his outsider status fighting a corrupt establishment.

Yet, recent developments suggest this formula is breaking down. One key factor is the sheer volume of legal challenges Trump faces. With multiple indictments piling up—from the hush-money payments in New York to the classified documents case in Florida and the election interference probes in Georgia and Washington, D.C.—Trump's attempts to spin these as politically motivated persecutions are falling flat. In the past, he might have transformed such crises into fundraising bonanzas and sympathy surges. Remember how the Mueller investigation, despite its damning findings, ultimately bolstered his narrative of being unfairly targeted? Now, however, the indictments are stacking up too quickly, and the details are too salacious or serious to easily dismiss. Polls indicate that a significant portion of independent voters, crucial for any general election victory, are growing weary of the drama. Trump's repeated claims of "election interference" by prosecutors echo his 2020 loss rhetoric, but they lack the fresh outrage that once energized his supporters. Instead, they risk alienating moderates who see them as excuses rather than evidence.

Electoral realities are further undermining Trump's aura. The 2022 midterms served as a stark wake-up call. Trump-endorsed candidates, many of whom parroted his election denialism, underperformed in key races. In states like Pennsylvania and Arizona, voters rejected MAGA extremists in favor of more conventional Republicans or Democrats. This wasn't just a blip; it highlighted a broader rejection of Trump's influence. His handpicked Senate candidates lost winnable seats, contributing to Democrats retaining control of the chamber. Even in the House, where Republicans eked out a narrow majority, the victories were slimmer than expected, and internal party strife—fueled by Trump's lingering shadow—has hampered governance. Fast-forward to the current primary season, and Trump's lead in Republican polls is impressive but not ironclad. Challengers like Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are gaining traction by positioning themselves as alternatives to Trump's chaos, appealing to donors and voters tired of the constant turmoil. DeSantis, in particular, has leaned into policy wins in Florida, contrasting his governance with Trump's bombast, which subtly underscores the idea that Trump's style is more show than substance.

Media dynamics have also shifted dramatically. The press, once accused of "Trump derangement syndrome" for its obsessive coverage, is now approaching him with a more measured lens. Outlets that thrived on the Trump spectacle during his presidency are diversifying their focus, partly due to audience burnout. Cable news ratings, which skyrocketed during Trump's term, have dipped as viewers seek respite from the endless cycle of outrage. Social media platforms, too, have changed the game. Trump's ban from Twitter (now X) after January 6, 2021, robbed him of his primary megaphone. Although he's been reinstated under Elon Musk's ownership, the platform's algorithm and user base have evolved, diluting his reach. Truth Social, his alternative network, caters to die-hard fans but lacks the broad amplification of mainstream sites. Moreover, the rise of fact-checking and accountability journalism has made it harder for Trump's unverified claims to go unchallenged. When he floats conspiracy theories about rigged elections or deep-state plots, they're quickly debunked, reducing their viral potential.

Public perception plays a pivotal role in this decline. There's a palpable sense of Trump fatigue setting in across the electorate. After years of non-stop controversies—from the Access Hollywood tape to the COVID-19 response mishaps and the Capitol riot—many Americans are simply exhausted. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that a majority of voters, including some Republicans, believe Trump has been a divisive figure whose time has passed. This fatigue extends to his base, where enthusiasm, while still strong, shows cracks. Attendance at rallies, once massive affairs, has occasionally been lackluster, and fundraising, though robust, hasn't matched the peaks of previous cycles. Trump's age— he'll be 78 by Election Day 2024—also factors in, as does the contrast with younger, more disciplined rivals. Biden's administration, despite its own challenges, has managed to project stability, further highlighting Trump's volatility.

Internally, the Republican Party is grappling with Trump's waning superpower. Loyalists like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz continue to amplify his messages, but a growing faction of establishment figures is quietly distancing itself. Figures like Mitch McConnell have been notably silent on Trump's legal woes, signaling a potential rift. If Trump secures the nomination, the party risks alienating suburban voters and independents who propelled Biden to victory in 2020. Conversely, if his influence continues to erode, it could open the door for a post-Trump GOP, one focused on policy over personality.

Looking ahead, the question is whether Trump can adapt and revive his media dominance. He's attempting to pivot, emphasizing economic grievances like inflation and border security, issues that resonate with his base. Yet, without the element of surprise that defined his 2016 run, these efforts feel recycled. The upcoming trials could either reinvigorate his victim narrative or bury him under a mountain of evidence. If convicted in any case, it might galvanize supporters but could also disqualify him in the eyes of the broader public. Analysts speculate that Trump's superpower relied on a perfect storm of novelty, economic anxiety, and media complicity—conditions that no longer align as neatly.

In the end, Trump's fading superpower reflects a broader evolution in American politics. The era of personality-driven, spectacle politics may be giving way to something more substantive, where voters demand results over rhetoric. Whether this spells the end for Trump remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the man who once owned the spotlight is finding it harder to keep the audience captivated. As the 2024 race unfolds, the true test will be if he can reinvent himself or if his once-mighty influence dissolves into irrelevance. The political world watches, wondering if the showman can pull off one last act.

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