In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump admitted that he regrets not going after the ABC moderators more aggressively during a past debate. This revelation comes as no surprise to anyone paying attention to the blatant media bias that has plagued Trump’s political career. The moderators, like much of the mainstream media, clearly weren’t interested in facilitating a fair debate; they were focused on taking Trump down, pushing the left’s narrative, and undermining his message. Now, Trump openly acknowledges that his restraint was a mistake—and it’s easy to see why.
Media bias has been a constant thorn in the side of conservatives, especially during Trump’s presidency. Whether it was CNN, The New York Times, or, in this case, ABC, the mainstream media has consistently shown its hand as a political arm of the Democratic Party. During that particular debate, Trump was expected to defend himself against biased questions while Joe Biden received softball treatment. Trump’s instinct to hold back, it seems, was driven by a desire to stay on message, but in hindsight, he believes he should have called out the moderators for their obvious favoritism.
In the interview, Trump reflected on his approach, saying, “I regret not doing what I usually do, which is calling them out.” He went on to explain that he’s never been one to shy away from confronting media bias head-on, and his supporters have always appreciated that about him. Trump’s directness has been one of his strongest assets, particularly when it comes to holding the media accountable. So why did he hold back during this particular debate?
It’s possible that Trump, at the time, was trying to strike a balance between staying focused on policy and defending himself from the obvious bias of the moderators. However, the issue is that when you’re up against a media establishment that’s determined to undermine you, there’s no point in playing by their rules. Trump’s regret is understandable—he missed an opportunity to expose the media’s lack of neutrality in real-time. If there’s one thing we know about Trump, it’s that he doesn’t shy away from a fight, and his supporters love him for it.
The mainstream media’s bias against Trump has been well-documented, but what’s particularly egregious is how they’ve played defense for Joe Biden throughout his career. During the debates, Biden was allowed to skate by with vague answers and half-truths, while Trump was constantly interrupted and challenged on every point. This wasn’t a debate—it was a coordinated attempt to discredit Trump. The moderators weren’t interested in facilitating a fair discussion; they were more concerned with helping Biden stay afloat.
Trump’s regret in not calling out the moderators reflects a broader frustration many conservatives have with the state of our media. The so-called “journalists” who are supposed to inform the public are instead pushing their own political agendas. They’ve abandoned any pretense of objectivity, and instead of holding politicians accountable equally, they’ve become gatekeepers for the Democratic Party. Trump recognized this, but in that debate, he chose to hold his fire—something he now realizes was a mistake.
The media’s bias isn’t just frustrating for conservatives; it’s dangerous for democracy. When the people tasked with informing the public are more interested in playing politics, they’re undermining the very foundation of a free society. Debates are supposed to be opportunities for candidates to lay out their visions for the country, but when one side is constantly playing defense against a hostile media, it’s not a fair fight. Trump’s reflection on this missed opportunity is a reminder of just how stacked the deck has been against him.
Going forward, Trump’s lesson here is clear: don’t hold back. If there’s one thing we know about the former president, it’s that he’s at his best when he’s unapologetically calling out the corruption and bias in the media. His supporters don’t want him to play nice—they want him to be the fighter he’s always been. And as Trump himself admitted, he should have done just that during the ABC debate.
In the end, the media’s bias has done nothing to deter Trump or his supporters. If anything, it has strengthened their resolve. Trump’s regret is a reminder that when you’re up against a corrupt establishment, there’s no room for holding back.
