Former President Donald Trump told CNN anchor Jake Tapper on Sunday that his administration is actively working to direct the network’s coverage, raising questions about press independence.
Trump phoned into CNN to discuss Senator Lindsey Graham’s death during the Sunday interview. The former president stated without hesitation, “We’re trying to have CNN go on a normal path, and we’ll do that.”
Tapper did not challenge the remark and concluded the call by saying, “Well, I’m on a normal path right here, sir, and I appreciate your time.” The anchor thanked Trump for calling but did not press back on the characterization of CNN’s editorial direction.
Social Media Reaction
Social media users quickly criticized both Trump’s statement and Tapper’s response. Viewers accused Tapper of failing to defend editorial independence and CNN of capitulating to political pressure.
Media analysts flagged the exchange as a significant moment in discussions about press independence. A sitting president openly stating he is working to influence a news network’s direction marked an unusual development in the relationship between political power and news coverage.
Broader Context
The timing of Trump’s remark coincided with the Justice Department’s approval of Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. Critics noted that Trump’s comments about putting CNN on a “normal path” carried additional weight given his administration’s involvement in the merger approval.
Tapper had previously stated on air that CNN’s role “is not to try and please the president or only report the statements he likes.” Sunday’s exchange appeared to contradict that principle.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
