The Role of the Us Media in the Political Trajectory of the Presidential Candidate Donald Trump in 2016: Discourse Analysis

The US media significantly shaped Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, impacting his political trajectory in multiple ways. Heavy mainstream media coverage, especially in the early months of the primary season, amplified Trump's visibility and success. Often framing his campaign as a sensational spectacle rather than focusing on policies or qualifications, the media allowed him to dominate the narrative and appeal to his supporters. Trump also leveraged social media, particularly Twitter, to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with the public, controlling his message. The media’s focus on his controversial statements and actions generated further attention, solidifying his anti-establishment image and enhancing his visibility.