Ex-NBC anchor Brian Williams criticized fellow journalists in a statement to the Washington Post on Monday. He said the media struggled to find the right words to describe a "visibly struggling" President Biden.
Williams called journalistic language "lazy, numbing, and normalizing in a time of urgency." He argued that the press often fails to reflect reality.
The Washington Post featured quotes from ten journalists discussing how to cover Donald Trump’s second term as President-elect. Williams didn't hold back.
"It’s insulting, and a gross disservice to viewers," he said. "It doesn’t match what they saw or heard. Watching journalists try to describe a visibly struggling president during that disastrous debate was crushing."
He added, "Say it with me: The collapse of the Democratic Party in 2024 came largely from the man who ran to save democracy but stayed too long. There, I said it. Now someone say it into a microphone."
Other journalists, like ex-CNN host Don Lemon, shared their thoughts. Lemon urged the press to focus on Trump’s actions, not just his words.
"The media must stop letting Trump’s cruel comments dominate the news," Lemon said. "Focus instead on the radical actions of the man."
Brian Williams also spoke about the Democratic Party during a late-night TV appearance. He said it needs to be "rebuilt."
He criticized their campaign messaging, calling it "insulting" to voters.
Former New York Times editor Jill Abramson also weighed in. She told the Post, "Cover this administration without fear or favor."
Abramson added that Elon Musk will be a key focus for reporters. "When policies work, give credit where it’s due," she said.