Media defenders insist that intense coverage of the president’s war on journalism is warranted as a bulwark against encroachment on press freedoms. This is a legitimate concern. Real reporting is warranted when the administration takes actions that hinder the media’s ability to do their job. The president’s Twitter tantrums, however, hardly qualify.

Besides, Americans don’t need convincing that the president’s conduct is out of line. According to a recent Survey Monkey poll, a majority of Americans disapprove of his use of Twitter. An NPR/Marist poll shows that more than 70% of Americans believe civility in Washington has declined since Trump took office.

News organizations should therefore be more judicious about how much exposure to afford his attacks.