Donald Trump, the former president of the United States and a 2024 presidential hopeful, has once again grabbed headlines. This time, it’s for reportedly granting an exclusive interview to Saudi government-owned news channel Al Arabiya while notably avoiding interviews with major U.S.-based media outlets. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, Trump’s media choices are stirring up controversy, particularly given the current geopolitical tensions and his role as a leading contender in the Republican primaries.
Trump’s Shift in Media Strategy
According to a recent report, Trump is set to appear on Al Arabiya, a Saudi Arabian news outlet later this evening, in an interview that will cover a range of international issues, including the ongoing Middle East crises and the war between Russia and Ukraine. During the interview, Trump reportedly blames the current U.S. administration for destabilizing global affairs.
Trump’s family has deep ties with Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, and it’s not just about diplomacy—it’s personal and financial. Jared Kushner received $2 billion from the Saudi Public Investment Fund right after leaving the White House, raising major ethical red flags 🚨. This isn’t just…
— The Rational Rebel (@CaliLogicalMind) October 20, 2024
In the interview, Trump claims that President Joe Biden is responsible for the chaos in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine:
“Former U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed the Biden administration for what he called the ‘collapse’ of the Middle East and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine in an interview with Al Arabiya.”
— Al Arabiya News
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Trump’s decision to grant this interview to a foreign news channel while skipping major U.S. news outlets like CNN or Fox News raises eyebrows, particularly as U.S. voters head into a critical election season. While it’s not uncommon for political figures to engage in international media, the timing and choice of this specific interview fuel speculation about Trump’s shifting media strategy and geopolitical connections.
Trump’s Long-Standing Relationship with Saudi Arabia
Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has long been scrutinized. During his presidency, Trump made Saudi Arabia one of his first international stops, signing a massive arms deal with the kingdom and maintaining a cozy relationship with Saudi leadership. His administration faced criticism for failing to take a hard stance on Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives.
Trump’s latest media move, opting for Al Arabiya, a Saudi government-controlled news outlet, further underscores the deep ties he maintains with the Gulf monarchy. While the interview reportedly focuses on international conflicts and the Middle East, critics argue that Trump’s willingness to prioritize an international platform over U.S. news organizations is a calculated move to appeal to foreign interests.
Trump is Saudia Arabia’s BITCH! pic.twitter.com/oIfo4HoZVS
— CONVICT TRUMP AGAIN & LOCK THEM UP! (@Christo12919382) October 20, 2024
Political analysts speculate that Trump’s engagement with Al Arabiya could be a way for him to distance himself from the media scrutiny he often faces in the U.S. by aligning with international outlets that may present him in a more favorable light. Furthermore, the timing of this interview comes as tensions in the Middle East rise following recent events, and Trump’s criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the region add fuel to the ongoing political debate.
Trump’s Criticism of Biden’s Foreign Policy
During the Al Arabiya interview, Trump focused heavily on criticizing the Biden administration’s foreign policy decisions. He specifically blamed President Biden for the escalating crises in the Middle East, accusing him of failing to prevent conflicts and causing instability. Trump also attributed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to Biden’s lack of leadership on the world stage:
“Trump pointed to what he characterized as ‘weak leadership’ from Biden, arguing that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could have been avoided if the U.S. had taken a stronger stance early on.”
— Al Arabiya News
Trump’s remarks on the international stage mark a return to the themes of his 2016 campaign, where he positioned himself as a strong leader who could prevent wars and restore global respect for the U.S. While he continues to hammer Biden on foreign policy, Trump’s approach to international diplomacy during his own presidency—including his ties to autocratic regimes like Saudi Arabia and Russia—remains a point of contention for critics and political opponents.
Trump has reportedly admitted that he is speaking to Israeli PM and full time war criminal Bibi Netanyahu putting him potentially in violation of the Logan Act depending on what was said; Daily Mail reported HERE:
‘Bibi called me today and he said, it’s incredible. what’s happened, they said it’s pretty incredible. but he wouldn’t listen to Biden, because if he did, they wouldn’t be in this position,’ he told thousands of supporters in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, using a nickname for the Israeli leader.
‘And I tell you what, they’re in a much stronger position now than they were three months ago, that’s for sure.’
The Implications of Skipping U.S. Media Outlets
Trump’s choice to speak with a foreign news outlet while avoiding U.S. interviews has not gone unnoticed. In recent months, Trump has sidestepped several prominent American media organizations, preferring to communicate through rallies, social media platforms like Truth Social, and now, foreign outlets like Al Arabiya. Critics argue that by doing so, Trump is avoiding tough questions from U.S. journalists who would likely press him on issues related to his legal challenges, his role in the January 6th insurrection, and his ongoing battle with the Department of Justice.
In contrast, foreign outlets like Al Arabiya might present a softer interview style, focusing on Trump’s views on international politics rather than pressing him on domestic scandals. As noted by multiple media outlets:
“Trump used to love going on CNBC. Now he’s retreating into his MAGA cocoon.”
— Crooks and Liars
“Trump canceled his CNBC interview, which had been planned for this week. His campaign cited scheduling conflicts, but critics view this as another example of Trump shying away from tougher, mainstream media interviews.”
— Washington Examiner“The former president has avoided U.S.-based media outlets, opting for international platforms instead, fueling speculation about his ongoing media strategy.”
— The Daily Beast
Trump’s Foreign Media Preferences and U.S. Perception
This isn’t the first time Trump has opted for foreign media platforms to share his perspectives. During his presidency, Trump frequently gave interviews to foreign outlets and engaged in direct communication with leaders of countries like Russia and North Korea. His preference for bypassing U.S. media is part of a broader pattern of undermining American journalism, which he has often dismissed as “fake news.”
With the 2024 election around the corner, Trump’s media strategy appears to be evolving. As political tensions rise, particularly over issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict and U.S.-China relations, Trump’s choice to engage with international outlets may indicate his desire to shape his global image rather than confront the growing challenges at home.
In the coming months, it will be interesting to see whether Trump continues to grant interviews to U.S.-based media outlets or whether he will increasingly rely on foreign platforms to broadcast his message. As of now, his recent decision to appear on Al Arabiya has ignited discussions about the role of international media in shaping U.S. political narratives.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
