Given the fact that Jon Stewart had his finger on the pulse of American politics for more than 16 years, the former host of The Daily Show is better equipped than most to provide an opinion on Trump’s presidency and the fractured relationship that he has with the press.
As we’ve previously seen , Stewart has previously been critical of both liberal hypocrisy and Trump’s behaviour/policies, but in a recent visit to see his friend Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, Stewart absolutely tore into the media for obsessing over Trump.
Regarding Trump’s history of providing false information in press conferences, Stewart said : “I can’t believe the guy has the balls to get away with that. He’s lying on purpose you want to know how? Because he constantly says the phrase ‘believe me.’ No one says ‘believe me’ unless they are lying.”
While Stewart’s views on Trump aren’t exactly surprising, he did use the interview to also challenge the press “to get your groove back.”
Stewart said: “Hey guys, hey media. So, I heard Donald broke up with you. Stings a little, doesn’t it? You finally thought you’d met your match. A blabbermouth who’s as thin-skinned and narcissistic as you are. Well now it’s over. Well, good riddance, I say. Kick him to the curb. It is time for you to get your groove back, media. Because let’s face facts, you kind of let yourself go a little bit for these past few years. You put on a few pundits, obsessing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, about this one guy.”
Regarding the recent restrictions that the Trump administration have placed on certain media outlets, Stewart sees this as something that can be advantageous.
CNN was blocked from WH @PressSec's media gaggle today. This is our response: pic.twitter.com/8SfY2uYKEI
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) February 24, 2017
“This breakup with Donald Trump has given you, the media, an amazing opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. Instead of worrying about whether Trump is un-American, or if he thinks you’re the enemy, or if he’s being mean to you, or if he’s going to let you go back into the briefings, do something for yourself. Self-improvement! Take up a hobby. I recommend journalism”, he remarked.
Here’s the interview in full.
