Summary of "In Good Faith With Philip DeFranco: The Trump Media Problem With Alex Perlman"

Release Date: July 22, 2025

In this episode of "In Good Faith With Philip DeFranco," host Philip DeFranco engages in a deep conversation with Alex Perlman, the host of the "Too Many Tabs" podcast. The discussion centers around former President Donald Trump's extensive defamation lawsuits against various media outlets, the implications for journalistic freedom, and the broader impact on American politics and media landscapes.

1. Trump's Defamation Lawsuits Against Media

Philip DeFranco opens the episode by detailing Donald Trump's aggressive legal actions against the media since 2020. Trump has filed at least 10 lawsuits involving over 15 instances of defamation claims. These lawsuits target media reports on his taxes, recorded admissions of losing the 2020 election, critical opinion pieces, manipulated interviews, and controversial publications such as a birthday card allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein.

Philip DeFranco [00:00]: "Since 2020, Donald Trump has sued at least 10 media outlets at least 15 times for defamation."

Despite the high number of lawsuits, many have been dismissed because Trump qualifies as a "very public figure," making it challenging to prove defamation without clear evidence of malice and factual falsehood.

2. First Amendment and Defamation Law: Historical Context

The conversation delves into the legal framework surrounding defamation, highlighting historical cases that shaped current standards. DeFranco references the 1733 case of John Peter Zenger, whose trial for seditious libel laid the groundwork for the First Amendment protections we have today.

Philip DeFranco [00:50]: "That ruling would actually go on to inspire the creation of the First Amendment."

The guest, Alex Perlman, emphasizes the evolution of defamation law, particularly the Supreme Court case Sullivan v. New York Times, which established that public figures must prove actual malice to win defamation cases—a standard that has significantly protected media freedom.

3. Impact on Media Outlets: Settlements and Pressures

Philip and Alex discuss the recent trend of media outlets choosing to settle lawsuits rather than fight them in court, often resulting in substantial financial payouts. Notable examples include ABC settling with Trump for $15 million and Paramount for $16 million over controversies surrounding edited interviews and defamatory accusations.

Philip DeFranco [03:00]: "You're seeing things like Paramount settling Trump for $16 million over what appeared to be a false accusation that they had deceivingly edited Kamala Harris' 60 Minutes interview."

Alex asserts that these settlements are not merely financial decisions but strategic moves to appease Trump, who leverages his influence to potentially block media mergers and maintain control over media narratives.

Alex Perlman [04:12]: "All of this is the long could become a test to the power structure in the Republican Party."

The discussion highlights fears that such legal pressures may lead to the silencing of critical journalism, citing the firing of media personalities like Stephen Colbert and the alleged muzzling of programs like "60 Minutes."

4. Trump’s Lawsuit Against The Wall Street Journal: The Epstein Affair

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump's lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its parent companies over a story alleging that Trump sent a birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein.

Philip DeFranco [04:46]: "He's suing the paper for defamation, seeking $10 billion in damages."

The lawsuit is portrayed as part of a broader strategy by Trump to suppress damaging information and send a warning to other media organizations. Experts suggest that Trump may have underestimated the media's ability to defend itself, noting that The Wall Street Journal has pledged to support their reporting robustly.

Philip DeFranco [04:42]: "With all of this, he'd have to submit to discovery over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and undergo a deposition."

5. Media Manipulation and the Role of Jubilee Media

Alex Perlman introduces his perspective on Jubilee Media, criticizing it as a psychological operation (psyop) aimed at shifting the Overton window by featuring specific types of guests that reinforce certain biases.

Alex Perlman [05:00]: "I find Jubilee has sub. Obviously, everything has a subconscious bias. But specifically with Jubilee, their framing of what the middle is is automatically shifting the Overton window."

He elaborates on the casting process, suggesting that Jubilee deliberately selects guests such as conspiracy theorists and conservative Christians to create divisive and provocative content.

Alex Perlman [07:04]: "They have the casting lists on their website. They're looking for conspiracy theorists, they're looking for Christian conservatives."

This manipulation is seen as detrimental to genuine discourse, transforming shows into platforms for character-driven chaos rather than fostering understanding.

6. New Media vs. Traditional Media: The Changing Landscape

The episode contrasts new media platforms like podcasts and YouTube with traditional media outlets, discussing how the former often prioritize engagement over meaningful content. Perlman criticizes creators like Joe Rogan and the Nelk Boys for their commercial motives and perceived lack of substantive journalism.

Alex Perlman [10:24]: "It's wild to see. It's very wild to see. And then you see the confidence building from having the room full of people that are there."

Perlman argues that algorithms and commercial interests drive these platforms to amplify sensationalism, which in turn influences public opinion and political narratives.

7. Personal Anecdotes and Interactions with Hunter Biden

Alex Perlman shares a personal story about meeting Hunter Biden at a White House Christmas party. He recounts a humorous yet revealing interaction where Hunter Biden expressed surprise at being recognized, highlighting the blurred lines between personal connections and political narratives.

Alex Perlman [86:03]: "Hunter Biden looks me in the face, he goes, I'm being for real. I watch all your stuff, I follow you on everything, even YouTube."

This anecdote underscores the pervasive nature of media influence and the intertwining of personal lives with high-stakes political controversies.

8. The Shift in Empathy: Impact of Legalizing Gay Marriage and Marijuana

Perlman discusses how the legalization of gay marriage and marijuana has altered societal empathy, making it harder for certain demographics, particularly white individuals, to connect with oppressed groups.

Alex Perlman [44:26]: "There's a lot of shifting empathy."

He suggests that these legal changes have inadvertently created divides, where individuals previously able to empathize with marginalized communities may now find it challenging to reconcile differing viewpoints, thereby fueling political and social tensions.

9. Political Maneuvering and Future Implications

The conversation touches on the potential long-term effects of Trump's legal strategies and the broader implications for American democracy. Perlman warns of a future where legal and media pressures could escalate from civil disputes to judicial and physical confrontations, threatening the integrity of political discourse.

Alex Perlman [101:49]: "We've had our little cry. We've had our feel bads. We have seasonal depression. It's now time to, to, to stop triangulating and trying to plot it and to actually start making moves."

He calls for increased political engagement and grassroots involvement to counteract the consolidation of media power and the erosion of a free press.

10. Closing Thoughts: The State of American Media and Democracy

In conclusion, both hosts express concerns about the future of journalism, political accountability, and the role of media in shaping public perceptions. They emphasize the need for transparent and courageous reporting to uphold democratic values amidst mounting pressures from powerful political figures like Donald Trump.

Alex Perlman [108:00]: "Yes, it's a slide. It's all downhill."

Philip DeFranco [00:00]: "You're seeing things like ... you have to try and do it."

The episode wraps up with reflections on the current media environment, urging listeners to remain vigilant and critical of the narratives presented by both traditional and new media platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Philip DeFranco [00:00]: "Since 2020, Donald Trump has sued at least 10 media outlets at least 15 times for defamation."

• Philip DeFranco [04:12]: "All of this is the long could become a test to the power structure in the Republican Party."

• Alex Perlman [05:00]: "I find Jubilee has sub. Obviously, everything has a subconscious bias. But specifically with Jubilee, their framing of what the middle is is automatically shifting the Overton window."

• Alex Perlman [86:03]: "Hunter Biden looks me in the face, he goes, I'm being for real. I watch all your stuff, I follow you on everything, even YouTube."

• Alex Perlman [101:49]: "We've had our little cry. We've had our feel bads. We have seasonal depression. It's now time to, to, to stop triangulating and trying to plot it and to actually start making moves."

This episode provides a comprehensive examination of Donald Trump's ongoing legal battles with the media, the vulnerabilities of journalistic freedom, and the intricate dynamics between new and traditional media in today's polarized political climate. Through engaging dialogue and personal insights, DeFranco and Perlman illuminate the challenges facing American democracy and the essential role of a free press in maintaining its integrity.