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Friday, Dec 12, 2025
Outside the box.
White House Intensifies Public Attacks on CNN Amid Ongoing Media Feud
Administration officials and President Trump escalate criticism of CNN’s coverage and corporate leadership as tensions flare over reporting and briefings
The White House has stepped up its public criticism of CNN in recent days, with senior administration officials and President Donald Trump himself sharply attacking the network’s coverage and leadership, intensifying an already strained relationship between the executive branch and the broadcaster.
At a press briefing on December 11, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took aim at CNN’s chief White House correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, over questions about the economy and ownership issues, suggesting that the network would benefit from new leadership or a change in ownership, and defending the administration’s economic record as strong and grounded in improved inflation and wage trends.
Officials framed the remarks as a response to what they described as selective scrutiny during the previous administration.
Mr Trump has also reiterated his view that CNN should be sold as part of any transaction involving its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing that the network’s current leadership and editorial approach undermine its credibility and audience reach.
The president’s comments followed negotiations over the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. assets by Netflix, which excluded CNN, and a competing hostile bid from Paramount Skydance that included the network.
Trump’s position, as expressed publicly by the White House, is that any deal should incorporate a reassessment of CNN’s direction and ownership structure.
The wider feud has seen multiple confrontations between Trump administration figures and CNN personnel.
A top White House aide’s claim that CNN had “banned” adviser Stephen Miller from its airwaves was disputed by the network, which said editorial decisions are based on news priorities and that it remains open to hosting administration voices.
The repeated exchanges reflect persistent disagreements over reporting, with the administration accusing CNN of bias and spreading narratives it deems unfounded and the network defending its editorial integrity and journalistic standards.
The escalation illustrates the broader tensions between the Trump White House and segments of the national media, as officials seek to shape narratives and challenge coverage they view as misaligned with their policies and messaging.
At a press briefing on December 11, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took aim at CNN’s chief White House correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, over questions about the economy and ownership issues, suggesting that the network would benefit from new leadership or a change in ownership, and defending the administration’s economic record as strong and grounded in improved inflation and wage trends.
Officials framed the remarks as a response to what they described as selective scrutiny during the previous administration.
Mr Trump has also reiterated his view that CNN should be sold as part of any transaction involving its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing that the network’s current leadership and editorial approach undermine its credibility and audience reach.
The president’s comments followed negotiations over the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. assets by Netflix, which excluded CNN, and a competing hostile bid from Paramount Skydance that included the network.
Trump’s position, as expressed publicly by the White House, is that any deal should incorporate a reassessment of CNN’s direction and ownership structure.
The wider feud has seen multiple confrontations between Trump administration figures and CNN personnel.
A top White House aide’s claim that CNN had “banned” adviser Stephen Miller from its airwaves was disputed by the network, which said editorial decisions are based on news priorities and that it remains open to hosting administration voices.
The repeated exchanges reflect persistent disagreements over reporting, with the administration accusing CNN of bias and spreading narratives it deems unfounded and the network defending its editorial integrity and journalistic standards.
The escalation illustrates the broader tensions between the Trump White House and segments of the national media, as officials seek to shape narratives and challenge coverage they view as misaligned with their policies and messaging.
