Chris Rock says President Trump is correct on one key issue, and it almost redeems his ‘other sins’
Comedian Chris Rock has said that President Donald Trump is right about at least one thing: his frequent claims that the news media are "fake." Speaking to Variety about his upcoming film "Misty Green," Rock, who is no fan of Trump, said it was "weird when somebody gets one thing right" to the point that it almost excuses everything else. The comments drew a warm response from conservative media watchdog group NewsBusters, whose managing editor said Rock's remarks reflected a growing consensus about media bias and ineptitude.
Rock, who accurately predicted Trump's 2016 election victory when few celebrities did, has previously made headlines for unconventional views on the president, including warning in 2023 that prosecuting Trump would only boost his popularity, comparing it to "arresting Tupac." Those 2023 remarks were made at a Washington event honouring Adam Sandler, in front of a crowd that included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Biden administration officials. Curtis Houck of the Media Research Center's NewsBusters called Rock's latest comments evidence that scepticism of the "legacy, elitist media" now crosses political lines.
In short
- Chris Rock says Trump is right that news media are "fake"
- Rock isn't a Trump fan but praised this one view
- Conservative media watchdog NewsBusters welcomed Rock's remarks
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rock’s concession could be read as recognition that news organisations sometimes make errors, show partisan leanings or frame stories in ways that undermine public trust. From this perspective, calling attention to those shortcomings, even in the sweeping language of “fake news,” can encourage scrutiny and greater accountability across the media.
The case against
The phrase “fake news” can blur the distinction between genuine reporting failures and accurate coverage that a politician dislikes, weakening trust in journalism broadly. Rock’s remark was presented as an offhand observation in an interview, so treating it as evidence of a cross-political consensus about media bias may overstate what he meant or what the comments establish.
Explained simply
Chris Rock is an American comedian and actor who has sometimes commented on US politics. Donald Trump, a Republican, has served as US president and often accuses news organisations of publishing “fake news”.
Debate over the news media’s accuracy and political bias has become part of wider divisions in the United States. NewsBusters, which is part of the conservative Media Research Center, criticises what it sees as liberal bias in news coverage.
Rock has previously made comments about Trump’s political appeal, including saying that prosecuting him could increase his popularity. Disputes over media trust and how political leaders are covered matter because they can shape what people believe about public affairs.