A new analysis from media watchdog group NewsBusters shows that major broadcast networks have overwhelmingly favored Democrats in their coverage of the ongoing government shutdown, offering more than seven times as many positive statements about Democrats as Republicans.
In a post published Thursday on X, NewsBusters reported that ABC, CBS, and NBC have consistently portrayed Democrats favorably while assigning blame to Republicans for the shutdown, which began on October 1.
The report described the disparity as “not even close,” highlighting 83 positive statements for Democrats compared to only 12 for Republicans across the same outlets.
🚨 NEW STUDY: 87% of government shutdown coverage on ABC, CBS, and NBC favored Democrats.
— MRC NewsBusters (@newsbusters) November 5, 2025
This isn't journalism it's propaganda. https://t.co/gR5sTzibzy
The Trump White House responded to the findings, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharing the report on her X account.
“This is what we are up against!” Leavitt wrote, referencing what the administration views as coordinated media bias benefiting the Democratic Party.
This is what we are up against! https://t.co/rYbfh3ukBq
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 6, 2025
The NewsBusters report follows growing scrutiny of network news coverage amid the shutdown, which has now stretched into its second month.
Analysts have noted that television segments and headlines have largely framed Democrats as protecting key programs while depicting Republicans as the cause of the budget impasse.
Tuesday’s election results reflected continued momentum for Democrats in several key states.
Races in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California all went to Democratic candidates, a trend some analysts attributed in part to favorable media framing.
In Congress, House Republicans are now weighing their next move.
The House Republican Study Committee (RSC) Steering Committee is reportedly considering advancing a short-term funding measure to extend the continuing resolution through January 2026, according to RedState.
The proposal would allow the government to reopen while broader negotiations over spending priorities continue.
Republicans have repeatedly pointed to what they see as a double standard in press coverage compared to past shutdowns.
During the 2013 shutdown under former President Barack Obama, the media’s tone was notably harsher toward the GOP.
At the time, Obama criticized Republicans for opposing his administration’s spending priorities, calling their actions an attempt at “blackmail.”
“No Congress before this one has ever, ever, in history, been irresponsible enough to threaten default, to threaten an economic shutdown, to suggest America not pay its bills just to try to blackmail a president into giving them some concessions,” Obama said in October 2013.
“Congress needs to pay our bills on time. Congress needs to pass a budget on time. Congress needs to put an end to governing from crisis to crisis,” he added.
“If Republicans do not like the law, they can go through the regular channels and processes to try to change it. That’s why we have elections.”
Media watchdogs, including the Media Research Center, have noted that coverage during Obama’s presidency framed Republican shutdown tactics as reckless and harmful, while the current reporting paints Democrats as defending essential services such as SNAP benefits and air traffic control pay.
Critics argue that the current media approach represents a shift from accountability journalism to partisan advocacy.
The NewsBusters data provides quantitative support for that argument, showing an imbalance that Republicans say reflects entrenched bias across major networks.
The government shutdown continues as both chambers of Congress remain divided over spending levels, with Democrats pushing to maintain expanded social programs and Republicans seeking reductions in non-defense discretionary spending.
No final vote has been scheduled on the proposed stopgap measure, though party leaders have indicated that discussions are ongoing.
The contrasting tone in media coverage, however, remains at the center of the broader political debate, with the latest data reinforcing claims of unequal treatment between the two parties.
