Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

COVID Rhetoric Fuels Anti-Asian Sentiment, Study Reveals

6/17/2025

41 3

Summary

Story summary

A troubling trend emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as researchers found that negative media portrayals and rhetoric from figures like Trump fueled a decline in favorability toward Asians. The study revealed that Trump supporters were particularly influenced, reflecting a scapegoating mentality that unfairly targeted Asian communities and strained perceptions of trade with China.

1 of 1

Story summary

A troubling trend emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as researchers found that negative media portrayals and rhetoric from figures like Trump fueled a decline in favorability toward Asians. The study revealed that Trump supporters were particularly influenced, reflecting a scapegoating mentality that unfairly targeted Asian communities and strained perceptions of trade with China.