Zachary Pleat

Washington, D.C., United States

Senior Researcher at Media Matters for America

Research at Media Matters for America. All tweets are my own views but are backed by the Commissariat. he/him. https://t.co/jnnzUWm5tu

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Articles

MAGA media knives are out for Trump’s tariff advisers

1 week ago | mediamatters.org | Zachary Pleat

Numerous right-wing media figures are placing blame for the chaos and confusion over Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs on two of his top economic appointees — senior trade adviser Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — rather than on Trump himself. When announced, Donald Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs amounted to one of the largest tax hikes in American history, and despite being labeled “reciprocal,” they had absolutely nothing to do with foreign tariff rates.
Fox Vs. Fox: Trump Toadies Defend Tariff Chaos While Experts Freak Out

2 weeks ago | nationalmemo.com | Zachary Pleat

Following days of historic stock market chaos after President Donald Trump's so-called “Liberation Day” announcement of massive global tariffs on April 2, financial professionals and market analysts have warned Fox News and Fox Business audiences about the dire consequences of a global trade war.
Fox vs. Fox: Trump apologists defend tariff chaos while experts raise alarm

2 weeks ago | mediamatters.org | Zachary Pleat

Following days of historic stock market chaos after President Donald Trump's so-called “Liberation Day” announcement of massive global tariffs on April 2, financial professionals and market analysts have warned Fox News and Fox Business audiences about the dire consequences of a global trade war.
MAGA media distort decades-old clips of Democrats to distract from Trump's tariff chaos

2 weeks ago | mediamatters.org | Zachary Pleat

Following global stock market turmoil from Trump’s April 2 announcement of bogus tariff rates that amount to one of the biggest tax hikes in U.S. history, right-wing media are attempting to distract from Trump’s ruinous trade policy by re-airing decades-old clips of Democratic politicians criticizing China.
Fox embraces “the largest peacetime tax increase” in American history as Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs loom

3 weeks ago | mediamatters.org | Zachary Pleat

Multiple Fox News and Fox Business personalities have promoted Trump’s pronouncement of a so-called “Liberation Day” on April 2 — the day the president will unveil his global tariff scheme and possibly implement “the largest peacetime tax increase” in American history “outside of World War II.” The tariffs, which Trump has labeled “reciprocal” even though they will reportedly take into consideration non-tariff trade barriers such as domestic value-added taxes, could reignite inflation,...
Right-wing media claimed Social Security would be protected under Trump - now people are struggling to access their benefits

3 weeks ago | mediamatters.org | Pete Tsipis |Zachary Pleat

The SSA has announced its intention to cut 7,000 of its 57,000 jobs, close offices, and enact new security measures, including in-person office visits for seniors and others who claim Social Security benefits. Although the acting commissioner Leland Dudek is leading the overhaul, he disclosed in a staff meeting that “it’s DOGE – not the DOGE kids, it’s the DOGE management” that is pushing for the rapid and disruptive changes at the agency.
Fox dismisses anticipated vehicle price hikes from Trump's tariffs

3 weeks ago | mediamatters.org | Zachary Pleat

In the days leading up to President Donald Trump's April 2 implementation of 25% tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts, Fox News and Fox Business personalities dismissed looming price increases the new import taxes are expected to unleash on American consumers.
Fox News Ignores $500B IRS Loss That Dwarfs DOGE 'Savings'

3 weeks ago | nationalmemo.com | Zachary Pleat

Trump-driven IRS turmoil may cost 10 percent of federal revenue, which Fox ignoredIn a March 22 story, The Washington Post reported that “staff cuts and disruptions related to the U.S. DOGE Service have officials bracing for a sharp loss of revenue” of up to a 10 percent decrease in federal tax receipts, a shortfall of over $500 billion.
Fox ignores projected $500B IRS shortfall after celebrating meager US DOGE savings

3 weeks ago | mediamatters.org | Zachary Pleat

In a March 22 story, The Washington Post reported that “staff cuts and disruptions related to the U.S. DOGE Service have officials bracing for a sharp loss of revenue” of up to a 10% decrease in federal tax receipts, a shortfall of over $500 billion.
Fox Business Blames Media For Popular Rejection Of Trump Tariffs

1 month ago | nationalmemo.com | Zachary Pleat

As President Donald Trump’s erratic tariff policies continue to take shape, multiple public opinion, consumer sentiment, and manufacturer and business surveys show that Americans generally disapprove of them. These surveys also show that Americans expect that the tariffs will raise prices and weaken the economy.