More in the cross-post on the MRC's NewsBusters blog.
On Friday, all three network morning shows began with anchors breathlessly declaring that President Trump’s son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner was “under scrutiny” in the FBI’s Russia investigation. However, after offering the screaming salacious headlines, each broadcast quietly admitted that Kushner was not the target of the investigation nor was he accused of any wrongdoing.
Opening NBC’s Today, co-host Matt Lauer hyped: “Under scrutiny, President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, now part of the FBI’s Russia investigation.” Minutes later, fellow co-host Savannah Guthrie promised viewers there was “fresh turmoil facing the Trump administration.” Correspondent Peter Alexander further sensationalized the story: “Jared Kushner may be the closest adviser to the President, making him one of the most powerful people in this country....That means this investigation now reaches right next to the President.”