Britain’s Guardian newspaper has announced mental health services for its staff following President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory, a move many see as a dramatic overreaction. Editor Katharine Viner described the result as “very upsetting” for employees and rolled out a suite of support options, including counseling and virtual wellbeing tools, for staff across its global offices.

Viner’s email to employees struck a particularly dire tone, warning that Trump’s win “could reverberate for a million years.” British staff were offered access to mental health resources and online doctors, while U.S. employees received two Employee Assistance Programs. Australian staff were even promised professional counseling, a measure that critics have called excessive.

Traumatised Guardian staff offered counselling.

– Guido Fawkes pic.twitter.com/gwanxXEmG3

— L’anglais, c’est rien que le français, malprononcé (@lefoudubaron) November 7, 2024

The Guardian’s reaction has sparked mockery, with some questioning the need for such dramatic measures over a democratic election. Viner encouraged international staff to contact their U.S.-based colleagues to provide emotional support, further fueling claims that the response is out of touch with the realities of political life.

The Guardian offers staffers counseling over Donald Trump’s ‘upsetting’ election win.😂

Oh great now the UK is upset 😂😂😂

Katherine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian said her employees can access free mental health support from internal company portals, according to the… pic.twitter.com/hs40JgsDSH

— Denise (@Likeshesays) November 8, 2024

Adding to the absurdity, the Guardian used Trump’s victory as a fundraising opportunity. In a message to readers, Viner claimed that “brave, well-funded independent journalism” is needed to “stand up” to Trump’s administration, urging financial contributions. This appeal mirrors past campaigns, such as when the newspaper raised $2 million by endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2020 election.

The Guardian has offered its journalists free counseling and mental health support to help them process Donald Trump’s win in the US election, according to an internal email seen by Guido Fawkes, a British political gossip blog

— Dr. Jain (@ncj537) November 8, 2024

Critics argue that the Guardian’s reaction exemplifies the growing detachment of left-leaning media from the general public. Providing counseling over election results, they say, reveals a lack of perspective and professionalism that undermines the credibility of journalism.

What marshmellows. Who cares. Now..they're fundraising off of Trump's win..suckering all those brainwashed readers.

Far-Left Guardian Offers Staff Counseling After Trump’s ‘Very Upsetting’ Election Triumph.https://t.co/7Dnx8p8vFy pic.twitter.com/hEubitD4GM

— P. J. Lofland (@pamjlofland) November 7, 2024

While the Guardian claims to champion resilience and accountability, its over-the-top response to Trump’s win has left many questioning whether it is truly prepared to face the challenges of covering another Trump administration. For an organization that prides itself on holding power to account, this episode suggests it may need to focus on its own priorities first.

You won’t get a reply from the Guardian either….it seems they are too busy attending counseling sessions after the Trump election…..😂😂

— E Nuffsaid (@ENuffsaid59763) November 8, 2024