Donald Trump’s TV Viewing Habits: A Detailed Look at His Media Consumption
Diploma and television have, historically, been closely linked for Donald Trump. As a former President and a man with a significant public following, it is no surprise that his TV watching habits were of keen interest to many observers. While in the White House, Trump reportedly spent at least six hours daily engrossed in various media options, with Fox News and WWE being at the forefront.
The Television Network He Relied On: Fox News
During his tenure as President, Fox News stood as the primary source of information and entertainment for Trump. His dedication to the network was so strong that he not only watched daily but occasionally called in to the popular morning show, Fox and Friends. The network provided a constant stream of content that resonated with Trump's views and needs. For Trump, Fox News was more than just television; it was an extension of his need for validation and a steady stream of information.
Wrestling and Religious Programs
While Fox News catered to political and news-related content, another significant part of Trump's media diet consisted of professional wrestling (WWE). Trump's love for the sport was well-known and he would often watch WWE matches to stay entertained. Additionally, his deep religious fervor led him to watch religious programming as well. For instance, he maintained a steady viewing schedule with the Reverend Earnest Angley's morning shows. He also tuned into programming by the Jim and Tammy Faye Baker ministry, although their relationship deteriorated after Trump was involved in developing their infamous air-conditioned dog houses, which didn't perform as expected.
Partisan Shows and Personal Insights
Trump frequently watched the Jerry Springer show to gain insights into the opinions and thoughts of his constituency. This show afforded him a unique opportunity to understand the motivations and concerns of his supporters. Jerry Springer, known for his confrontational style, provided a platform for people to share their personal struggles, which Trump could then use to inform his policies and rhetoric.
Inconvenient Truths and Controversies
While Trump enjoyed a steady diet of Fox News to reinforce his beliefs and image, there were times when reality and public opinion clashed.
Stormy Daniels: Witnessing part of a documentary on Discovery Channel, specifically "Shark Week," was made mandatory for his former affair partner, Stormy Daniels. As reported, she complained that Trump made her watch the entire documentary about shark attacks. This incident highlighted a different side of his media consumption, one that included potentially uncomfortable or unglamorous content. The Apprentice Reruns: As a former host of the reality TV show The Apprentice, Trump seems to enjoy seeing himself firing contestants in reruns. This provides a form of entertainment while allowing him to relive past successes within the familiar environment of his own creation. Continuous Political Monitoring: After leaving the White House but prior to his current career change, Trump continued to follow political news through Fox News. This choice reflects his continued desire to stay informed on the political arena, ensuring that Fox News became the default source for his news consumption.It appears that Trump watches shows that either confirm his views, provide insights into his supporters, or simply offer entertainment. Any content that directly challenges his beliefs or fails to align with his image is often tuned out, suggesting a selective media consumption strategy.
Conclusion
Donald Trump's TV viewing habits reflect a complex interplay of entertainment, misinformation, and ideological reinforcement. Whether it's professional wrestling, religious content, or partisan news, his choices demonstrate a deep-seated need for a media environment that supports his personal and political agenda.