Media’s Ongoing Tantrum Over Trump
Ronan Farrow’s recent piece in The New Yorker, titled “The Technology the Trump Administration Could Use to Hack Your Phone,” is just another example of how mainstream media can’t seem to let go of their obsession with Donald Trump. Even with Election Day 2024 behind us, Farrow and his friends are still stuck in a cycle of anger, churning out sensational headlines that sound like they belong in a dystopian novel.
The Dystopian Narrative
What’s the main idea? Advanced surveillance tools are out there, and guess who’s painted as the ultimate villain? That’s right—Trump! According to this narrative, he will happily use these tools to spy on innocent Americans. But where’s the evidence for such claims? It’s almost non-existent. Yet, that doesn’t stop them from cranking up the hyperbole.
Ignoring Real Threats
Farrow takes readers on a wild ride through various surveillance fears, hopping from Greece to Poland while conveniently ignoring bigger threats like Russia or China—countries that have made spying an art form. Instead, he throws shade at Israel by suggesting its focus on national security somehow ties into a global spyware conspiracy. For him, any mention of surveillance must be wrapped in ominous tones if it can connect back to Trump.
Biden Administration’s Contradictions
The irony here is hard to miss: Farrow seems oblivious to one major contradiction. The Biden administration he subtly defends has embraced policies that allow warrantless surveillance of Americans. Earlier this year, Congress voted on an amendment related to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that would have required warrants before accessing personal data belonging to American citizens.
A Partisan Divide
This amendment was introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) but failed in a tie vote of 212-212—with most Democrats voting against it. The current administration has been known for selectively using surveillance tools against Trump supporters and other perceived political threats; yet Farrow glosses over this glaring issue while chasing after his anti-Trump narrative.
Bizarre Claims About California Spyware
The article also makes some strange claims about how Trump could leverage surveillance technologies already being used in deep-blue states like California. Seriously? The idea that Trump has control over California’s spyware practices is downright laughable! But logic doesn’t seem to matter much when crafting these stories.
Recycled Myths and Fear-Mongering
If all this wasn’t enough, Farrow digs up old myths about Trump—like those ridiculous claims regarding military tribunals for political enemies—and presents quotes taken wildly out of context. This isn’t journalism; it feels more like a collection of Twitter rumors repackaged for an audience eager for validation about their worst fears concerning someone they see as their political boogeyman.
The Reality Check: Bipartisan Issue
The truth is far less dramatic: surveillance technology poses risks regardless of which party holds power in Washington. It’s not just a Republican or Democrat issue; it’s something we should all be concerned about due to its potential for abuse.
Avoiding Meaningful Critique
Yet instead of diving into meaningful critiques about policies enabling such abuses, Farrow sticks with tired fear-mongering tactics that paint Trump as some sort of omnipotent overlord while ignoring similar—or even worse—track records from the current administration.
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