Media Matters Strikes Again: Misrepresenting Sean Hannity
In a recent endeavor to hold media figures accountable, the left-leaning organization Media Matters has once again found itself embroiled in controversy. This time, the target of their scrutiny is Fox News host Sean Hannity.
On December 17, Media Matters alleged that Hannity had boasted about dining with executives from pharmaceutical companies, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and various Trump administration staffers on their website. To bolster this claim, they shared an audio clip of Hannity alongside a graphic that purportedly captured his statements—seemingly crafted to depict him in a compromising light.
However, before casting stones at others, it would be prudent for Media Matters—a self-proclaimed “progressive research and information center dedicated to monitoring and correcting conservative misinformation”—to reflect on its own practices.
Examining the Claims
The text presented by Media Matters included the following excerpt:
“But Donald Trump was pretty clear. You know, when asked directly by a reporter yesterday about vaccines and autism and whether there was a link, he said, ‘Look, I’m —,’ he’s not a doctor. He says you know ‘Right now you have some very brilliant people looking into it.’ He himself does not know. I had dinner the other night with the head of Pfizer, the head of Eli Lilly; RFK was there; Dr. Oz was there.”
Media Matters edited this clip in such a way as to suggest that Hannity was recounting his own experience dining with these pharmaceutical leaders rather than quoting Trump’s remarks. They placed Trump’s words within quotation marks but omitted them for Hannity’s concluding sentences—implying incorrectly that those were his words instead of Trump’s.
This manipulation appears aimed at tarnishing Hannity’s reputation—a common tactic employed by organizations seeking to undermine political opponents.
A Quick Fact Check
For those willing to invest just 22 seconds into verifying these claims through online searches will find clarity quite easily. A transcript from President-elect Donald Trump’s press conference on December 16 reveals identical phrasing attributed falsely by Media Matters to Hannity.
During this press conference—available for review—the exchange began when a reporter posed an inquiry regarding potential links between vaccines and autism:
“Can I ask just clearly: do you believe there’s a connection between vaccines and autism? Do you believe there’s a link?”
Trump responded:
“Well look right now you have some very brilliant people looking at it…I had dinner the other night with the head of Pfizer; head of Eli Lilly; RFK as you know; Oz; other people within administration involved in medical—and we’re looking into it.”
This segment can be pinpointed precisely at 28:33 during the interview documented in available transcripts online or viewed via video footage from CNBC showcasing Trump making these statements verbatim.
The Implications
This incident serves as an embarrassing misstep for Media Matters—not only because their assertions were unfounded but also due to their apparent negligence in fact-checking before publication. It took mere moments for anyone curious enough to disprove their claims thoroughly—a glaring oversight indicative of either carelessness or intentional deceit aimed at discrediting political adversaries like Hannity.
If indeed they believed him guilty as charged based on genuine actions or statements made publicly without distortion or fabrication—they wouldn’t need resorting tactics involving misinformation regarding what he actually said during discussions surrounding significant topics like vaccine safety concerns raised over decades past concerning rising autism rates observed today compared against historical data showing far lower prevalence rates previously recorded among children born several decades ago versus current statistics indicating alarming increases noted recently across various demographics nationwide according CDC reports highlighting disparities existing among different populations affected disproportionately throughout society today due largely systemic inequities present historically entrenched within healthcare systems overall impacting access quality services rendered individuals needing assistance navigating complex landscape surrounding public health issues facing communities nationwide currently grappling challenges posed ongoing pandemic situation exacerbated further economic fallout resulting job losses widespread closures businesses struggling stay afloat amidst uncertainty looming future ahead requiring collective efforts all stakeholders involved work together collaboratively towards finding solutions addressing root causes underlying problems faced society collectively moving forward toward brighter tomorrow filled hope possibility change positive outcomes achieved through unity cooperation understanding shared goals aspirations everyone involved working tirelessly make world better place live thrive long term basis ultimately benefiting generations yet come after us all!
Graduated from University of Denver, Residing in Dallas, Texas. Political observer and a Conservative. Follow on Twitter for more.