Trump Tells Tapper He’s Trying to Get CNN Back on Track
President Donald Trump used a CNN interview honoring the late Senator Lindsey Graham to tell host Jake Tapper he was working to steer the network toward a more balanced editorial direction.
The exchange took place at the conclusion of a telephone interview on State of the Union, during which Trump called in to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a longstanding political ally and personal friend, as Adisa Hargett-Robinson reports in Washington Examiner.
Following a discussion focused entirely on Graham’s life and contributions, Tapper attempted to pivot to questions about ongoing military operations in Iran. Trump declined, stating he would not address other policy matters out of respect for the late senator.
Out of respect for Lindsey, I’m not talking about that, Trump said when pressed on United States military action and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The president instead chose to reflect on Graham’s extensive political legacy, describing him as a fantastic advocate during his Senate tenure. Trump recalled that the South Carolina Republican had telephoned him the evening before his death, following a return from Ukraine.
As the interview drew to a close, Tapper extended an invitation for a future appearance. I know you don’t want to talk about any other issues out of respect for Lindsey Graham, but we would love to have you back sometime because I do have a lot of other questions for you, sir, the CNN anchor said.
Trump agreed to return, then added his characteristically pointed commentary on the network itself. We’re trying to have CNN go on a normal path, he remarked.
Tapper responded quickly, asserting he was already on such a path. Trump acknowledged the response with approval.
Trump Highlights Graham’s Kavanaugh Defense
During the tribute, Trump singled out Graham’s forceful defense of then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during the contentious 2018 confirmation hearings. He called the senator’s impassioned remarks one of the defining moments of his career, ranking it among the most significant episodes in Senate history.
I think it was a top 10, maybe a top five moment in the history of the Senate, Trump said.
Rare CNN Appearance
The interview represented one of Trump’s infrequent engagements with CNN, a network he has routinely criticized throughout his time in public office. The president has long accused the outlet of bias and unfair coverage, making Sunday’s call-in segment notable both for its cordial tone and its subject matter.
Trump also indicated he has already identified a successor to fill Graham’s Senate seat, though he did not provide further details during the interview.
With information from Washington Examiner
