Hoax (book)

Atria/One Signal Publishers

Industry	Publishing
Headquarters	United States
Products	Books

Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth is a nonfiction work authored by American journalist Brian Stelter, formerly the chief media correspondent at CNN. Released on August 25, 2020, through Atria/One Signal Publishers, the book investigates the intertwined relationship between Donald Trump and Fox News.

Synopsis

Drawing on more than 250 sources, including interviews with 140 current Fox employees, Stelter provides an in-depth examination of Trump's connection with Fox News and the network’s evolution from a traditional news outlet to what he describes as "state-supported TV." The narrative traces Fox News’ foundation under Roger Ailes in 1996 and underscores Trump’s initial appearances on Fox & Friends starting in 2012, which served as a platform for his birther conspiracy theories and presidential aspirations.

The book delves into Trump's close partnership with Sean Hannity, highlighting reports that they communicate nearly every day and mutually shape their discourse on topics such as rigged elections, immigration policies, criticism of the Democratic Party, and accusations against the "fake news media." Stelter cites examples where Trump’s speeches and social media posts closely reflect Hannity’s narratives and describes how Trump utilizes Hannity’s program to test voter responses to his political stances. Additionally, Stelter critiques Fox News’ minimization of the COVID-19 pandemic, referencing medical contributor Marc Siegel’s March 2020 downplaying of the virus alongside Hannity’s discouragement of social distancing measures. The author credits Hannity with exerting influence on FBI Director James Comey to pursue an investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails shortly before the election, shaping public perception against her.

Reception

Jane Eisner from the Washington Post offered a review that was cautiously positive but noted Stelter’s partisan lens as somewhat "alarmist" rather than objective. Eisner draws attention to Stelter’s claim that Fox News amplifies Trump's disregard for factual accuracy while manipulating public opinion. Stelter contends that “Hannity and Trump worked hand in hand to tar practically the entire American news media as ‘fake,’” positioning Fox as the sole credible news source. Eisner also highlights the book’s documentation of 20 Fox personnel transitioning into White House roles, including Cabinet appointments, illustrating Fox's sway over federal governance. While she critiques the reliance on some uncorroborated claims within the book, she acknowledges its exposure of a collaboration that poses risks to democratic institutions.

David Bauder of the Associated Press commended the book, emphasizing that its most concerning revelations stem from televised segments and Trump’s Twitter activity mirroring Fox’s messaging, demonstrating Trump's reliance on the network to shape his political agenda. Publishers Weekly similarly praised it as "a detailed and disturbing record of the harm caused by the 'Trump-Fox merger' to American journalism and political discourse." Lloyd Green from The Guardian lauded Stelter’s thoroughly sourced depiction of the mutually beneficial relationship between Trump and Fox News hosts, particularly noting how Fox downplayed COVID-19 dangers to maintain support among Trump’s voter base in critical states.

David Enrich of The New York Times Book Review provided a mixed critique, recognizing Stelter’s effectiveness in explaining why Fox News adopted propagandistic tactics but pointing out that Stelter’s position as a CNN host and competitor may affect his neutrality. Enrich also references Stelter’s own admission of emotional involvement and shock regarding Fox's engagement with misinformation and conspiracy theories.