Donald Trump’s tribute to the late South Carolina senator paints a kind picture of a “true American patriot” who will be “greatly missed.” While the sentiment is ostensibly noble, let’s pull back the curtain on how corporate media will spin this narrative. CNN and MSNBC will likely drool over fabricating an angelic legacy for this senator to push their own agenda, ignoring the complexities of his political decisions and alliances. It’s all about virtue signaling, isn’t it?

Fox News, on the other hand, may parade the tribute as a badge of honor, using it to reignite the fervor of Trump’s base. They’ll celebrate loyalty and patriotism—but let’s not forget how quickly they morph into cheerleaders for whatever serves their narrative. It’s all about the clicks, ratings, and their target audience’s approval, not about delivering hard-hitting and honest analysis.

What’s the real takeaway from Trump’s tribute? His words exemplify how easily affection can be politicized. If you’re not savvy to the media’s games, you might buy into this soap opera of sincerity—but let’s stay rooted in reality. The truth is that political legacies are rarely so tidy and sentimental. As these networks twist and turn the narrative to fit their molds, the real story is often lost in translation.