In a surprising exchange that cut against expectations, actor Rainn Wilson, known for his role on The Office, pushed back against MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle during a discussion on his podcast about the growing public distrust of legacy media institutions.

The conversation turned pointed when Ruhle attempted to explain the media’s declining reputation by framing it as a coordinated effort by supporters of President Donald Trump to undermine traditional news outlets.

Ruhle argued that the Trump movement “set out to destroy the legacy press” and blamed that sentiment for the broader erosion of media credibility.

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She cited the rise of alternative platforms like X, which she described as a “cesspool of misinformation,” and said the mainstream press still served as “the last line of defense in holding power accountable.”

However, Wilson wasn’t prepared to let the statement go without challenge.

“This is where I would push back,” Wilson said.

“When I see this kind of insight and passion being directed at the current administration and the lack of this kind of insight and passion being directed at the previous administration—where again, I’m not talking about you—I’m talking about left-leaning news media organizations were kind of like, ‘La la la la, everything’s fine. Look, the economy is great, la la la, immigration’s not that much of a problem,’ and really being Cleopatra, queen of denial. Thank you. Boom.”

NEW: “The Office” Co-Star Rainn Wilson refutes MSNBC Host Stephanie Ruhle for blaming Trump and @elonmusk for why faith in media has PLUNGED

WILSON: “I would push back: when I see this kind of insight and passion being directed at the current administration and the lack of… pic.twitter.com/X9coaOMoGU

— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) April 22, 2025

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Wilson’s comments struck a chord with viewers and commentators who have long criticized what they view as selective scrutiny from legacy media outlets.

His remarks echoed broader frustrations voiced by critics who argue that major media institutions have consistently applied unequal standards of accountability depending on which political party is in power.

Ruhle did not directly address Wilson’s criticism during the podcast episode, but the moment quickly gained traction online, where users highlighted Wilson’s rare but direct challenge to a member of the press from a traditionally left-leaning outlet.

MSNBC, where Ruhle serves as an anchor, has faced ongoing criticism for its coverage of President Trump, including its promotion of the now-debunked Russia collusion narrative.

Critics have argued that such stories were not just missteps, but signs of deliberate bias that contributed to widespread distrust in legacy media.

These concerns were exacerbated during the Biden-Harris administration, particularly as outlets, including MSNBC, were slow to confront or report on issues such as the president’s declining public appearances, cognitive concerns, and disregard for Supreme Court rulings on executive actions, including the failed attempt to unilaterally cancel student loan debt.

The result, many argue, has been a migration of audiences away from traditional outlets and toward independent or alternative platforms that they believe offer more balanced or unfiltered coverage.

Wilson’s decision to press Ruhle on this subject during his podcast reflects a growing sentiment even among public figures outside of politics: that the media’s credibility problems are not simply the product of misinformation campaigns or social media, but also of selective reporting and editorial decisions that favor certain political outcomes.

Neither Ruhle nor MSNBC have issued public comments about the exchange.

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