Take that as a compliment, fellow journalists.

In all seriousness, the response to the storm has showcased the best of elected officials, first responders, next-door neighbors and, yes, even reporters.

The media's reputation is hardly the most important thing at stake in the midst of a natural disaster. But my job is to write about the press, and it is impossible not to view the work of reporters on the ground — disseminating vital information and relaying the stories of victims and heroes — against the backdrop of Trump's ceaseless campaign to undermine the media's credibility.

AD

AD

I asked one of the most prominent reporters on the ground, “NBC Nightly News” anchor Lester Holt, whether this is a moment to remind people that the president's caricature of America-hating, evildoing journalists does not match reality.

“Two responses to that,” Holt replied. “I would hope that I would never have to prove or justify my love of this country. I'll say that. But I would also say I've seen some incredible work from Americans of all professions here in Houston. People are coming together, as they always do.”

In the past, Trump has targeted Holt, individually. Before the first presidential debate of the general election, which Holt moderated, Trump falsely claimed that the anchor is a Democrat. (Turns out he is a registered Republican.) After the debate, Trump complained about questions he didn't like.

AD

AD

I reminded Holt of polls, such as an annual survey by Gallup, that indicate public trust in the media is at a historically low level.

“I've seen the same studies you have,” he said. “I think that question [about trust] is usually seen through a narrow lens — probably politics. But I certainly believe that on these stories, our viewers trust us. … I think people understand that we're a reliable place to go. When we stand out there and tell you what we know about the storm, what we know about evacuations, what we know about rescues, I believe that people trust us and understand we are doing our best to bring them information.”

Holt, who has anchored the nightly news from Houston since Saturday, will do so again Tuesday.