A tense moment unfolded on CNN recently when a spokesperson for Donald Trump made some harsh comments about two of the network’s prominent moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
The incident happened during CNN’s “This Morning” show when Kasie Hunt, one of the show’s anchors, invited Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s national press secretary, for a discussion about the upcoming presidential debate.
The debate, planned for June 27, will feature Trump, 78, and President Joe Biden, 81. It will be moderated by Hunt’s CNN colleagues Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
When Hunt, 39, asked Leavitt, 26, about Trump’s debate preparation, Leavitt responded positively about Trump’s strategy but didn’t stop there.
Leavitt then claimed that Trump is entering a hostile environment with moderators who have shown bias against him throughout the years. She said, “President Trump knows what he wants to say, and he’s going to relay his vision to the American people to make this country strong, safe, secure and wealthy again. He’s been doing that across this great nation to all corners of this country.”
“And that’s why President Trump is knowingly going into a hostile environment on this very network, on CNN, with debate moderators who have made their opinions about him very well known over the past eight years and their biased coverage of him.”
Kasie Hunt defended her colleagues, stating that Tapper and Bash are professional journalists with a history of fair and balanced reporting. Hunt said, “if you’re attacking the moderators, you’re usually losing,” and redirected the focus to Trump’s plans for the debate.
Despite Hunt’s attempt to pivot, Leavitt persisted in her critique of the moderators. Hunt, not interested in letting the segment turn into a mudslinging contest, decided to end the interview early. “Ma’am, we’re going to stop this interview if you’re going to keep attacking my colleagues,” Hunt said.
As Hunt thanked Leavitt for her time, the camera cut away from Leavitt, highlighting the firmness with which Hunt handled the situation. Hunt also mentioned that Leavitt would be welcome to return to discuss Trump’s campaign anytime in the future without the attacks.
Following the incident, a CNN spokesperson issued a statement emphasizing the credibility of Tapper and Bash, mentioning their extensive experience in covering political campaigns and moderating debates. According to the spokesperson, “Jake Tapper and Dana Bash are well-respected veteran journalists who have covered politics for more than five decades combined.”
“They have extensive experience moderating major political debates, including CNN’s Republican Presidential Primary Debate this cycle. There are no two people better equipped to co-moderate a substantial and fact-based discussion, and we look forward to the debate on June 27 in Atlanta.”
As the presidential debate on June 27 approaches, it remains to be seen how Trump’s team will address the media and what strategies they’ll employ. The first debate will start at 9 p.m., with another scheduled for September 10, moderated by ABC News’ David Muir and Linsey Davis.
