**WASHINGTON** — President Donald Trump told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Sunday that his administration is “trying to have CNN go on a normal path,” a remark that quickly fueled debate over the White House’s relationship with the network.
Trump called into “State of the Union” to discuss the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Near the end of the interview, Tapper invited him back to answer other questions after Trump declined to discuss U.S. military action involving Iran.
“Sure. We’ll do that. We’ll do that,” Trump said. “We’re trying to have CNN go on a normal path, and we’ll do that.”
Tapper replied, “Well, I’m on a normal path right here, sir, and I appreciate your time. And thank you for calling in.” He added that the network “would love to have you back sometime.”
Trump had limited the call to Graham, saying he would not address other subjects “out of respect” for the senator. Tapper asked about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz; Trump said the waterway was “open as far as we’re concerned” and told the host to stay on the reason for the interview.
The exchange drew sharp reaction online. Some viewers accused Tapper of failing to challenge the president’s comment about CNN’s “path.” Others said a president should not talk about directing a news organization’s coverage. Critics of CNN said the moment fit a long pattern of tension between Trump and the network.
The remark landed against a changing ownership backdrop. In June, the Justice Department approved Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. The federal review closed without required divestitures. State attorneys general and other parties later moved to slow or block the deal in court, delaying a final close. Trump has long criticized CNN’s coverage; Paramount executives have sought a less adversarial relationship with the administration.
Tapper has previously said on air that CNN’s job is not to please the president or report only statements he likes. Sunday’s call was brief and constrained by Trump’s terms. Whether a longer interview takes place, and on what conditions, was not announced.
Graham, 71, died Saturday after a sudden illness. A preliminary medical examiner finding cited an aortic dissection. Trump said he had spoken with Graham hours earlier, after the senator returned from Ukraine.
