Trump's Post-Vote Anger: Oprah, Fox Targeted
Donald Trump, after losing the 2020 Presidential election, expressed a wave of anger and frustration, primarily targeting two prominent entities: Oprah Winfrey and Fox News.
Oprah's "Betrayal"
Trump, in a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, accused Oprah Winfrey of "betraying" him after she endorsed Joe Biden for president. He alleged that Oprah, a long-time friend and ally, had "sold out" to the "Democrat machine."
"I was a big fan of Oprah, and she was a big fan of mine," Trump wrote. "But she went to the dark side and I'm very disappointed in her. She's not the Oprah I knew."
This outburst was fueled by Trump's perception that Oprah, who had previously interviewed him on her show, had switched sides and actively campaigned against him. His accusations resonated with some of his supporters who echoed his sentiments of betrayal and disappointment.
Fox News' "Fake News" Accusations
Trump's fury extended towards Fox News, a network he once considered a bastion of his support. He accused Fox News of becoming "fake news" for its coverage of the 2020 election and its reporting on his post-election activities.
Trump's discontent stemmed from Fox News' decision to call Arizona for Biden, a move that angered him and many of his supporters. He claimed the network had abandoned him and was now actively promoting the "Democrat agenda."
"Fox News is no longer the same," Trump wrote. "They've gone totally liberal and they're constantly spreading lies about me. I'm done with them."
Beyond the Anger
Beyond the specific targeting of Oprah and Fox News, Trump's post-election anger highlighted his broader sense of grievance and victimhood. He repeatedly claimed the election had been stolen from him and that he was the victim of a "deep state" conspiracy.
His vitriol, while aimed at specific individuals and institutions, served as a powerful rallying cry for his supporters, reinforcing their belief in his accusations and fueling their anger towards the political system.
The Long-Term Impact
Trump's post-election anger had a lasting impact on the political landscape. It deepened the partisan divide, fueling mistrust and animosity between Democrats and Republicans. Moreover, his accusations of a "rigged" election contributed to the rise of misinformation and conspiracy theories, which continue to plague the political discourse.
The targeting of individuals like Oprah Winfrey and institutions like Fox News exemplified the increasingly personal and divisive nature of American politics in the post-Trump era.