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In the days leading up to the presidential election, tensions escalated when Disney was unintentionally implicated in allegations of election malpractice. A significant incident occurred during a live broadcast of a Formula 1 race on Disney-owned ABC. A Pennsylvania affiliate, WNEP, broadcasted a graphic displaying erroneous election results that suggested Vice President Kamala Harris was leading by five percent in the state.
Donald Trump / Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr
This graphic was a result of a technical error, as it showcased random test data meant for equipment checks. Despite the station’s prompt apology, the damage was done.
The misinformation quickly spiraled, leading Donald Trump supporters to accuse Disney of attempting to influence the election in favor of Harris. Social media platforms became a battleground for these accusations, with many users asserting that this incident exemplified a broader conspiracy involving the “deep state” and legacy media bias against Trump.
Trump’s Accusations Against Media Outlets
The fallout from the graphic error coincided with an already contentious election climate, particularly following the sole presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Trump expressed frustration over the debate’s perceived imbalance, claiming that ABC and Disney had prepped Harris by providing her with questions in advance. This sentiment resonated with his supporters, who echoed similar grievances regarding the media’s treatment of Trump.
WNEP Scranton PA already has the election results posted. @elonmusk @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/eWR1oABWbK
— PrisonElvis (@elivislives) October 27, 2024
The accusations against Disney and ABC intensified, reflecting a growing distrust among Trump’s base concerning mainstream media narratives. Trump’s rhetoric fueled further division, with supporters vocally opposing what they see as an unfair media landscape ahead of the polls.
Legal Actions Taken by Trump
In addition to claims against Disney and ABC, Donald Trump initiated legal proceedings against CBS and its 60 Minutes program for allegedly editing an interview with Harris to portray her in a more favorable light. Trump’s lawsuit includes a staggering claim of $10 billion in damages. The implications of such legal maneuvers have raised questions about the relationship between influential political figures and media outlets, with many wondering how Trump’s actions might challenge media freedom and accountability in the United States.
Hey @WNEP!! Is the fix in already? Are you getting ready to help the left steal this thing again? @elonmusk @realDonaldTrump @TrumpWarRoom @RNCVoteProtect
— Jeff Gibson (@jeffgibson) October 30, 2024
The legal framework through which Trump seeks to hold media corporations accountable may set a precedent that could impact journalistic practices moving forward. As Trump seeks redress for perceived injustices, the ramifications of these lawsuits may be felt by the media and the broader public right to information.
The Role of Social Media in Election Misinformation
Social media has proven pivotal in shaping the narratives surrounding this election. Platforms that host significant political discussions have also inadvertently become fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. The incident involving Disney served as a catalyst for a proliferation of conspiracy theories that suggest coordinated efforts by various media entities to undermine Trump and favor Harris.
Someone always “mistakenly” does this and don’t worry, it’s just a “glitch.”
— Texas is Mine (and yours, if you're a Texan) (@TexasIsMine) October 30, 2024
Numerous examples demonstrate the power of social media narratives. Trump supporters utilized platforms like X to amplify rhetoric that posits the election’s outcome had already been predetermined by the actions of mainstream media. There are increasing calls for responsible reporting and greater transparency about election-related content shared across these platforms as the convergence of misinformation and public perception continues to influence voter sentiment.
As the election date approaches, the allegations against Disney, ABC, and other media outlets underscore a climate fraught with division and mistrust. Both sides remain on high alert, awaiting the final results while engaging in the unfolding narrative shaped by traditional and social media alike.
If media really controlled the elections, Trump would never have won in the first place. He simply cannot accept that his age and poison rhetoric is catching up with him. Even if he wins, with his diminishing faculties, he will not sit in the oval office for very long.
Sad, really. The whole world knows he’s not fit to be President. They are wondering what is wrong with the US that he is even a candidate!