The New York Times, known for its editorial choices, has stirred controversy by hiring a journalist with a history of expressing admiration for Hitler to cover the Israel-Hamas conflict. Soliman Hijjy, a freelance videographer, has faced scrutiny for his past social media posts that praised Hitler and expressed a disturbing sense of harmony with the Holocaust.
In a surprising move, the Times defended its decision to employ Hijjy, stating that they had reviewed his problematic social media posts from 2022 and had taken undisclosed actions to address concerns and ensure adherence to journalistic standards.
The questionable decision has sparked debates about journalistic ethics and the responsibility of media organizations to thoroughly vet their contributors. Critics argue that hiring someone with a public history of expressing support for Hitler compromises the newspaper’s credibility and raises questions about its commitment to unbiased reporting.
Gallup’s recent poll on media trust adds another layer to the discussion, revealing that a significant percentage of Americans have little to no trust in the media. This skepticism extends beyond party lines, with a record high of 39% expressing no trust and an additional 29% having very little trust in media outlets.
While 58% of Democrats trust the media, the controversy surrounding the hiring of a journalist with a questionable background may further erode public confidence. The Times’ statement defending its decision is likely to fuel the perception that media outlets are out of touch with the concerns and expectations of their audience.
On a more positive note, the poll indicates that 98% of those in harmony with the Holocaust and Hitler trust the New York Times’ coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. However, a small minority (2%) believes that the Times is too tough on Hamas, illustrating the diversity of perspectives even within this specific demographic.
The incident raises broader questions about media accountability, public trust, and the delicate balance between freedom of expression and responsible journalism. As the controversy unfolds, the New York Times faces the challenge of navigating public perception and maintaining its standing as a reliable source of news.
