WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump renewed attention on the relationship between the White House and the American news media after telling CNN anchor Jake Tapper that he was trying to have CNN move in a “normal path” during a July 12 appearance on State of the Union.
Trump joined the program by phone to discuss the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. During the conversation, Tapper briefly attempted to raise questions about the latest U.S. military actions involving Iran. Trump declined to discuss the broader conflict, saying he wanted to focus on Graham out of respect for the late senator.
Near the end of the call, Tapper invited Trump to return to CNN for a more extensive interview.
“We will do that,” Trump responded. He then added that “we’re trying to have CNN go on a normal path.”
Tapper replied that he was already “on a normal path” and thanked Trump for speaking with him. The brief exchange ended without Trump explaining what he meant by a “normal path” or identifying any specific changes he expected from CNN.
The remark drew attention because Trump has frequently criticized CNN and other major news organizations. However, the exchange itself did not establish that the administration had assumed control over CNN’s editorial decisions or directed the network’s coverage.
đź“ş CNN Caught in Broader Media Debate
Trump’s comments came amid major changes in the U.S. media industry.
Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to a proposed transaction valued at approximately $110 billion, which would place CNN under Paramount’s ownership if the deal is completed. The agreement remains subject to legal and regulatory developments.
The proposed merger has also faced an antitrust lawsuit from a coalition of states, keeping the future ownership structure under scrutiny. Reuters reported in August that Paramount had even indicated that selling CNN could be considered as one option in addressing the legal challenge.
đź“° Questions Over Media Independence
The episode has renewed discussion about the relationship between political leaders, media companies and editorial independence.
Supporters of Trump’s criticism of CNN view his comments as part of his longstanding demand for changes in the network’s coverage. Critics have raised broader questions about whether political pressure could affect news organizations, particularly as major media companies undergo ownership changes.
The July 12 exchange, however, provided no evidence that Trump had direct authority over CNN’s newsroom operations.
For now, the president’s “normal path” comment remains open to interpretation. Whether it signals a broader expectation for changes at CNN—or simply reflects Trump’s longstanding criticism of the network—remains to be seen as the media industry undergoes significant ownership and legal changes.
