Well, yes. The nature of fascism is exactly to whine about things exactly like this.

This behavior is a foundational element of the fascist cult of the leader, where the state head is presented as an infallible, almost superhuman figure whose every action is a historic triumph. Because the leader cannot fail, any reality that doesn’t align with their self-proclaimed brilliance is framed as a failure of the media or the public to be sufficiently “grateful” or “loyal.” Mussolini was a master of this, frequently attacking journalists as shirkers or cowards for not practicing militant journalism and failing to recognize the supposed civilizing success of his brutal campaigns. To a fascist, a lack of active, ecstatic praise from the press isn’t just a difference of opinion; it is viewed as a form of national betrayal and a “stab in the back” by internal enemies.

By constantly complaining about not getting enough credit, these leaders deliberately cultivate a siege mentality among their followers. Hitler used this tactic to delegitimize any information source he didn’t control, asserting that “intellectuals” and the media were too timid or corrupt to champion his military genius. This framing transforms the leader into a tireless, misunderstood martyr who is being let down by a cynical elite. It is a calculated propaganda move designed to turn a supporter’s pride into a protective, weaponized anger against the “ungrateful” press, ensuring that the only acceptable narrative is one of constant, uncritical victory.