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The House GOP accuses Cheney of tampering with star witness Cassidy Hutchinson during the January 6 Committee investigation. The charge is objectively bogus, but that didn’t stop the mainstream media from serving as Trump’s pro bono stenographers.

In addition to the aforementioned Times piece, headlined “The Wrath of Trump: House Republicans Map a Case Against Liz Cheney,” the Associated Press reported on the news with similar framing: “After investigating Jan. 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney.” So did ABC News: “Trump backs House GOP accusation Liz Cheney tampered with Jan. 6 committee witness.” So did NBC: “House Republicans say Liz Cheney should be investigated over Jan. 6 committee work.” And so did CNN: “After investigating January 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney.”

None of these headlines communicate the important fact that Cheney didn’t commit an actual crime and this is all a meritless, vindictive investigation. The Times in particular plays up Trump’s desired strongman image, as if he’s the buff antagonist in a Star Trek movie. This coverage gives Trump exactly what he wants.

(Edit typo.)