Keeping It Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels

Episode: Trump VS The Press: Who’s Really Winning - with Ainsley Earhardt
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Guest: Ainsley Earhardt, Co-Host of Fox News' Fox & Friends

Introduction

In this episode of Keeping It Real, Jillian Michaels welcomes Ainsley Earhardt, a prominent figure in conservative media and co-host of Fox News' highly-rated morning show, Fox & Friends. The discussion delves deep into the contentious relationship between former President Donald Trump and the media, exploring themes of media bias, censorship, and the broader implications for American democracy.

Media Accountability and Bias

Holding the Media to Account:
Jillian opens the conversation by expressing frustration with media narratives, specifically referencing Jake Tapper's book and the Democratic National Committee's actions. She questions whether the media fulfills its role as the "fourth estate" by holding power to account.

Ainsley's Perspective on Fox News:
Ainsley affirms Fox News' position as a leading news organization, emphasizing their commitment to reporting both sides of the story. She states, “We definitely would have been asking questions behind the scenes” if it were Trump showing signs of cognitive decline (03:59). She contrasts Fox News' approach with what she perceives as dishonesty from left-leaning media outlets.

Selective Coverage:
Jillian probes whether Fox News would cover negative aspects of Trump as they did with Biden. Ainsley confirms that Fox would cover such news, arguing that both administrations have faced issues like the botched Afghanistan withdrawal and Hunter Biden's controversies. She highlights the perceived imbalance in media coverage, noting that other networks reported “92% was completely negative” towards Trump (05:24).

Censorship and Press Access

Obama vs. Trump on Media Access:
Jillian introduces a hypothetical scenario where President Obama blocks Fox News from the White House press corps, drawing parallels to Trump’s actual actions in limiting certain media access. Ainsley responds by discussing current limitations placed on media regarding the Hunter Biden story and other allegations of censorship under the Biden administration.

Executive Orders and Media Freedom:
Ainsley elaborates on Trump’s executive orders aimed at preventing federal agencies from collaborating with private entities to censor lawful speech. She mentions specific actions like banning the AP from the Oval Office and restricting funding to NPR, arguing these steps are responses to perceived media bias (07:40).

Impact of Media Bias on Public Trust

Consequences of Negative Coverage:
Ainsley argues that relentless negative coverage of Trump by major networks eroded public trust, leading to increased support for Trump among conservatives. She asserts that this shift exposed flawed reporting and restored some trust in conservative media outlets like Fox News (09:35).

Education and COVID-19 Reporting:
The discussion shifts to the media’s handling of COVID-19, mask mandates, and vaccination policies. Ainsley criticizes the Biden administration for pressuring social media companies to suppress certain stories, which she believes led to misinformation and adversely affected public health and education.

NGOs, Federal Funding, and Foreign Influence

Funding of NGOs and Media Institutions:
Jillian raises concerns about foreign funding in legacy media and NGOs, referencing studies that highlight significant contributions from foreign governments like Qatar. Ainsley acknowledges the complexity but emphasizes the need for transparency in how federal funds are allocated to these organizations (36:06).

Impact on Media Integrity:
Ainsley criticizes progressive NGOs for allegedly misusing federal funds and engaging in activities like money laundering. She echoes Elon Musk’s sentiments about the need to scrutinize and regulate the spending of tax dollars to ensure they are not undermining American interests.

Faith, Morality, and Public Discourse

Faith Under Fire:
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the role of faith in public life and the perception of religious individuals in the public sphere. Ainsley shares her personal journey with Christianity, emphasizing the importance of faith in grounding oneself amidst societal changes. She discusses how shifting cultural norms have led to increased hostility towards faith-based individuals (50:24).

Balancing Religion and Secular Education:
Jillian and Ainsley debate the inclusion of religious symbols like the Ten Commandments in public schools. Jillian advocates for the moral lessons they impart, while Ainsley expresses support for faith-based education in private schools, highlighting the challenges of incorporating religion into secular institutions without compromising inclusivity.

Supreme Court, Leaks, and Legal Actions

Grand Juries Investigating Journalists:
Jillian brings up ongoing legal actions against journalists and ex-government officials for leaking classified information, questioning whether this represents an authoritarian shift. Ainsley acknowledges the complexity, differentiating between harmful leaks and legitimate whistleblowing that exposes corruption, such as in the Hunter Biden case (30:26).

Supreme Court Decision Leaks:
They discuss the implications of leaked Supreme Court decisions, specifically the Dobbs ruling, and the subsequent security threats faced by justices. Ainsley explains how leaked information can lead to real-world violence, underscoring the dangers of such disclosures.

The Shift in Political Landscapes

Right as the Party of the Working Class:
Jillian and Ainsley analyze the political shift where the Republican Party has repositioned itself as the party of the working class, contrasting it with the Democratic Party's alignment with elites. Ainsley credits Donald Trump for this transformation, highlighting his relatability and business acumen as key factors in appealing to a broader electorate (44:02).

Implications for Future Elections:
They explore how this shift has influenced voting patterns, noting increased support from moderates and working-class voters for Trump. This realignment is seen as a response to the perceived elitism and disconnect of the Democratic Party from everyday Americans.

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

Personal Experiences and Beliefs:
The conversation concludes with Jillian and Ainsley sharing personal reflections on faith, media consumption, and the importance of balanced dialogue. Ainsley emphasizes her commitment to sharing her faith and fostering understanding, while Jillian expresses her own spiritual journey and the challenges of navigating biased media landscapes.

Closing Remarks:
Jillian thanks Ainsley for her candid insights, highlighting the significance of open dialogues in bridging divides. Ainsley shares where listeners can find her, encouraging continued engagement with diverse perspectives.

Notable Quotes

• Ainsley Earhardt on Media Bias:
  “Nightly news coverage of Trump... I think it was 92% was completely negative.” (05:24)

• Ainsley on Executive Orders:
  “He signed an executive order, it's called EO 14149, and it's preventing federal agencies from collaborating with private entities to censor lawful speech.” (20:08)

• Ainsley on Political Shift:
  “Donald Trump... he just turned everything upside down. More Democrats... are voting for him.” (44:02)

• Ainsley on Faith:
  “He [Jesus] just wants you to accept him. And so I think, like when we talk about... princesa. . . 50:24)
  (Note: Partial quote due to transcript cutoff)

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics between the media and political figures, particularly focusing on the Trump administration's contentious relationship with the press. Ainsley Earhardt provides a conservative viewpoint on media accountability, censorship, and the evolving political landscape, while also touching on personal beliefs and the role of faith in public discourse. Jillian Michaels skillfully navigates these complex topics, fostering an engaging and thought-provoking conversation for listeners.

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