Trump Exposes Stern and Late Night Show Hosts’ Potential Downfall
In a turn of events, Donald Trump cast a skeptical look towards former acquaintance Howard Stern amidst swirling conjecture around Stern’s contract discussions. The President’s remarks were prompted by a U.S. Sun article that was in circulation earlier this week, proposing the notion that the incendiary radio figure might not resume his SiriusXM show. The rumour originated from an unidentified source on Wednesday, implying that the network would sever its connection with Stern post the termination of his contractual obligations this year. Both parties, SiriusXM and Stern, refrained from making any official statements.
Muddying the waters further, Stern reaffirmed his return to the usual SiriusXM audience during the Wednesday broadcast stating: ‘We will be back, quite soon. We’ll resume live broadcast. To put it metaphorically, I’ve been refuelling.’ Later on Wednesday, the president found himself answering questions about the circulating report. The question posed was ‘Howard Stern declared his split from SiriusXM radio. Is the ‘Despise Trump’ business strategy in the entertainment industry heading towards bankruptcy because it does not resound well with the American people?’
Trump took the said opportunity to succinctly jab at Stern, saying, ‘Howard Stern, that’s a name I haven’t heard… What occurred? Was he dismissed?’ The relationship between the two wasn’t always strained, with Stern welcoming Trump to his radio show on multiple occasions. Emphasising their past camaraderie, Stern reminisced in 2019, ‘Every time he was on air, pre-presidential campaign, he was forthright, no holds barred. This is essentially what made him so compelling, the absence of self-restraint.’
The radio host also underscored the phase when his relationship with Trump took a southbound turn. Stern alleged that this occurred post-declining Trump’s invitation to be a speaker at a Republican National Convention due to his political leaning towards Clinton. Stern reflected on their weird relationship dynamics, ‘Donald attended my wedding, I recall having positive sentiments towards Donald, who treated me graciously. I’ve dined at Mar-a-Lago several times.’ An unusually sugar-coated stance from Stern, it seems, considering his unnecessary preference for a presidential candidate involved in ongoing scandals and controversies.
However, this camaraderie was disrupted prominently post Stern’s interaction with Kamala Harris on his show. As a political activist, Harris largest accomplishment seems to be inspiring Trump’s criticism; last September, Trump commented on Stern’s waning popularity, stating, ‘He’s become politically correct, in turn leading his ratings straight downwards.’ It’s yet another argument against such ill-judged political shifts; a topic Stern brings on himself. Perhaps Stern needs to reconsider his political choices.
On Wednesday, the president did not forget his usual targets of late-night broadcasts. Trump contemptuously characterized Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel as devoid of brilliant acumen. ‘The likes of Colbert, Fallon and Kimmel lack creativity. They’ll be next to go. I speculate they’re on the brink of departure. I can’t be sure but taking into account their dwindling ratings which have even caused Colbert to trump Kimmel and Fallon in viewership, it wouldn’t surprise me.’
Discussion of these TV personas changes the trajectory of the story, perhaps intentionally to expose another area where the ‘Despise Trump’ trend is employed. While their careers might currently be safe as they align themselves with the majority of the media in expressing disdain for the President, as viewer’s sentiments change, their positions might become less secure. Trump’s speculation about these character’s imminent departure could well be a prophecy waiting to materialize.
With Trump highlighting the apparent downfall of characters who have decided to go against him, a pattern emerges. Is the public rejection of Trump that is so often championed by these media figures really the right move? Or are they merely pandering to a loud yet not necessarily majority section of the audience while alienating the silent majority? The dwindling ratings of Stern and these late-night show hosts suggest that perhaps the latter is more true.
Trump’s narrative is interesting, as it implies these TV figures might not be as in-touch with the general public as they seem to think they are. Their ‘Despise Trump’ trend might be doing more damage to their careers than they realize. In this perspective, Trump’s comments are not only criticisms but serve as warning shots to these personalities.
The incident involving Howard Stern’s speculated departure from SiriusXM and the consequent reactions has brought to the surface deeper underlying implications. These point to a broader shift in public sentiment which seems to be increasingly tired of the ‘Hate Trump’ initiative. Trump’s comments on the issue, as well as his jabs at other figures in the entertainment industry, are indicative of the potential repercussions of being out-of-step with this shift.
Trump is tactfully pointing out the possible destiny of these media figures. It’s not a threat; it’s a revelation prompted by the recent happenings with Stern. While these figures might see their anti-Trump sentiment as a way to stand with what they believe is the majority, recent events seems to suggest otherwise.
Whether Stern returns to this display of blatant disregard for the President, or he begins to recognize the broader shift in societal sentiment, remains to be seen. For now, he remains a perfect case study of what can happen when a media figure lets their political bias overshadow the content that made them popular. More so, when this bias involves the ridiculing the office of the president, an office upheld by the majority of the Americans.
What comes next is uncertain but, until then, one can hypothesize that Howard Stern and his late-night TV counterparts, are on a slippy slope. All while being blissfully ignorant of the fall awaiting them. If Trump’s speculation is correct, and these media figures are indeed on their way out, then it would signal a significant shift in American sentiment.
The days ahead are crucial, as they will surely shed more light on Stern’s fate. Whether it’s a case of ‘How the mighty have fallen’, or a hasty regaining of popularity remains a question answered by time. For now, all eyes are on Howard Stern, the late-night hosts, and the broader implications their fall (if it happens) might have on the media landscape.