Conservative journalist Benjamin Weingarten recently asserted that "Regime Media didn’t get Russiagate (Obamagate) wrong. Regime Media was all-in on the information operation." His statement, shared on social media, reignites debates surrounding the origins and media portrayal of the investigations into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and subsequent counter-allegations. Weingarten's commentary reflects a segment of public opinion critical of mainstream media's role in these events.
The "Russiagate" narrative primarily refers to the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, which concluded in 2019. Mueller's report found that Russia interfered in the 2016 election but "did not find that the Trump campaign, or anyone associated with it, conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in these efforts." Despite this, the report also detailed numerous contacts between Trump associates and Russian individuals, and outlined potential instances of obstruction of justice by then-President Trump, though it did not make a determination on that charge.
The term "Obamagate" gained prominence among former President Trump and his allies, alleging that Obama administration officials engaged in a politically motivated effort to undermine his campaign and presidency. These claims often center on the FBI's investigation into Michael Flynn and the declassification of intelligence documents. Special Counsel John Durham's 2023 report further criticized the FBI, stating it "failed to uphold its mission of strict fidelity to the law" in launching the "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia.
Benjamin Weingarten is known as a senior contributor to The Federalist, a columnist for Newsweek and The Epoch Times, and Deputy Editor of RealClearInvestigations. His work frequently involves critiques of mainstream media, government institutions, and what he perceives as political biases. The phrase "Regime Media" is a pejorative term used by some to describe major news outlets they believe are aligned with or serve the interests of the political establishment, rather than acting as independent watchdogs.
Critiques of media coverage during the Russiagate period have come from various angles, with some analysts arguing that certain outlets engaged in "resistance journalism," prioritizing a narrative of collusion over objective reporting. Concerns were raised about the reliance on anonymous sources, the amplification of unverified claims, and a perceived lack of skepticism towards the official narrative. These critics contend that such coverage contributed to a polarized information environment and eroded public trust in journalism.