Many journalists are experiencing "Trump Exhaustion Syndrome," leading some to forgo routine fact-checking of statements made by former President Donald Trump, according to a media analyst. This syndrome, as described, is not physical fatigue but a weariness that prompts journalists to dismiss Trump's often untrue statements as expected.
The surge in social media is cited as a contributing factor, diverting attention from in-depth analysis of political events to trending topics. The analyst notes that when Trump makes a statement that is demonstrably false, such as claiming he ordered the Justice Department to intervene in an Alaska election, the subsequent media coverage can be fleeting. Despite explicit statements, the attorney general might later deny such orders, and major newspapers may move on quickly, a pattern attributed to this exhaustion.
Another instance highlighted involves Trump's assertion about the White House swimming pool. He stated he "NEVER even thought of doing such a stupid thing!" regarding its potential restoration, despite a previous report in People Magazine detailing his suggestion to convert the press briefing room back into the pool. This shift in narrative, or retraction, is seen as an example of how Trump's statements can become