Now the questions arise.

What led to Donald Trump’s presidential victory? Why didn’t Joe Biden quit the race sooner, or skip it entirely? Should Kamala Harris have acted differently? The responses differed significantly depending on the channel you tuned into the morning after the election—Fox News couldn’t hide its satisfaction.

Despite the potential drastic changes the election outcome may bring to American life if Trump pursues his threats—there’s ample reason to believe he will attempt it—it felt like business as usual. Media companies resemble large ships; they require a major event to alter their direction.

One critical question about Trump’s election overshadows all others

The analyses will persist for a considerable time. However, one significant question surpasses the rest, and it remains unasked.

Will we make it through this?

Most likely. I sincerely hope so. I also believe the media is crucial to our survival.

Americans are inherently resilient. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider what Trump has pledged for a second term, especially with more compliant allies than in his previous term, and the prospect of a Republican-led Congress. He has called for mass deportations, assaults on media outlets, and vengeance against adversaries.

On the morning of November 6, Jake Tapper from CNN mentioned, “I recognize that some view this as a reflection of the ugliness among their fellow citizens—a vote supporting bigotry, sexism, and racism. However, it’s essential to understand why people supported Trump.”

Chris Wallace largely agreed with Tapper but added one point: “This is a man who openly claimed at rallies, ‘I am your revenge.’”

Take him at his word.

Trust in Trump’s threats

This perspective deserves ongoing attention. We need to remain vigilant, as it’s already unfolding, albeit subtly.

On election night, Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump advisor who popularized the term “alternative facts” to justify Trump’s falsehoods during his first term, appeared on Fox News. While her co-panelists hailed Trump’s political resurgence—Dana Perino insisted Harris should have conceded before other channels called the race, although Trump still hasn’t accepted the results of the 2020 election—Conway adopted a different tone.

She expressed concern over potential reactions from Harris supporters, pondering the possibility of violence, using terms like “unhinged.” Really? She didn’t recall that it was Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Democrats weren’t the ones asserting they would reject election results.

Then it hit me: this is pure projection. Trump and his followers excel at this. Trump has vowed retribution, and this is where it begins.

We must confront the unsettling truth that many people accept this.

“His campaign propagated a lot of racism, sexism, xenophobia, yet voters appeared to ignore it,” remarked Ana Cabrera on MSNBC. “Why has this seemingly become acceptable in America?”

Her guest, W. Kamau Bell, countered, “Respectfully, I don’t believe voters overlooked these issues. Instead, they leaned into them.”

Social media felt like a post-apocalyptic judgment day

Social media—with the exception of X, transformed into Elon Musk’s personal Trump-advertising platform as he aims for budget cuts—was a landscape of despair. This was more than just doomscrolling; it felt like a profound post-apocalyptic awakening.

People are upset, frightened, and yet, some revel in this. While MSNBC lamented the results, Fox News’ Bill Hemmer inquired how quickly Trump could bring gas prices below $2.

We have been repeatedly reminded that our nation is divided. The future remains ambiguous, regardless of political allegiance. The media, facing certain harassment and interference, must keep this reality in focus.

Journalists have the responsibility to hold Trump accountable. If he lies, it should be reported. If he crosses boundaries, it must be acknowledged. They must resist intimidation and treat misinformation seriously. Upholding honesty amid opposition is crucial now more than ever.

This has always been the role of journalists. However, we are now in a new reality, media-wise and otherwise. This is how we must approach the future.

This is our path to survival.