Americans view media power as excessive in politics
- 69% of Americans report social media companies hold excessive political influence.
- 55% of Americans believe U.S. news organizations possess too much political power.
- High levels of concern regarding social media span both Republican and Democratic voters.
- Republicans are significantly more likely than Democrats to criticize news organization power.
- Democrats prepare for a new legislative session following significant midterm election victories.
A majority of Americans believe social media companies and news organizations hold excessive political power, according to a Pew Research Center survey released on Friday. Approximately 69% of adults view social media influence as excessive, while 55% say the same about news organizations.
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged on Wednesday that the unpopularity of the war in Iran contributed to the Republican loss of Congress.
Bipartisan agreement on social media influence
Concern regarding the political influence of social media companies spans party lines, according to the Pew-Knight Initiative.
Research shows that 71% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats, including those who lean toward each party, believe these companies possess too much political power.
Partisan divide regarding news organization power
Opinions on the political power of news organizations diverge significantly between the two major parties.
According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of Republicans believe U.S. news organizations hold too much political power.
Only 43% of Democrats share this perspective regarding the influence of news organizations.
Democrats secure significant election victories
Democrats achieved significant victories in the election held on Tuesday following a surge in early voting.
Donald Trump is sowing doubt regarding the election results. Trump stated that the U.S. will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel as that country shifts to purchasing military hardware.
A September AP-NORC poll found that Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to say the country is not heading in the right direction. Mike Johnson announced he will not run for minority leader following the 2026 midterm elections.
House leadership outlines 100-day legislative plan
Representative Katherine Clark, who is expected to become House majority leader in January, told CNN on Thursday that Democrats campaigned on affordability and intend to govern with that as their focus.
The plan also includes reversing tariffs and ending the war in Iran.
Owens suggested that Democrats utilize oversight to expose corporate corruption as a strategy to address high prices and demonstrate their commitment to affordability.
Internal party debates on economic policy and vetoes
President Donald Trump has provided conflicting messages regarding his willingness to work with Congress versus his intent to use his veto power against Democratic legislation. Representative Adam Gray of California suggested focusing on bipartisan issues, while Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii cautioned against proposing legislation that the president is certain to veto.
Axios raised the question of whether Democratic state victories could lead to the elimination of the Electoral College.
Plans for oversight and agency accountability
Representative Chellie Pingree won a 10th term representing Maine’s 1st congressional district.
Pingree intends to include stipulations in funding bills to deny operational or travel funds to agencies that do not distribute solar and energy funding as previously instructed by Congress.
Upcoming discussions on election consequences
Binder.
New America will host a virtual discussion on November 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. with Brigid Schulte and Haley Swenson regarding research on men and caregiving, featuring panelists Mohan Sivalogonath, Shannon Carpenter, and Carlos Olivas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Majority of Americans Say Social Media Companies, News Outlets Have Too Much Power in Politics | Pew Research Center (pewresearch.org)
- Dems Campaigned on Affordability. But Can They Deliver? (newrepublic.com)
- Live Updates: Midterm voters go to the polls on Election Day | PBS News (pbs.org)
- Social media (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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