CNN host Kasie Hunt abruptly ended an interview with Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt after Leavitt criticized debate moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The incident underscores CNN's ongoing challenges amidst a defamation lawsuit over a 2021 story on the Afghanistan withdrawal.
In a tense exchange, CNN host Kasie Hunt abruptly cut off an interview with Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt after Leavitt criticized debate moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.
The incident occurred during a live interview on "CNN Newsroom" on Tuesday, just days before the highly anticipated presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Leavitt had been criticizing Tapper and Bash for their handling of previous debates, calling them "unfair" and "biased."
CNN Cuts Off Trump Spokeswoman After Criticism of Debate Moderators
Hunt interjected, saying, "I'm going to stop this right now. We're not going to do this. You can't come on here and attack our colleagues."
Leavitt attempted to continue speaking, but Hunt cut her off again, saying, "I'm serious. This isn't going to happen. You're not going to do this. I'm going to stop this right now."
CNN Cuts Off Trump Spokeswoman After Criticism of Debate Moderators
The interview was then cut short.
The incident highlighted CNN's ongoing challenges as it faces a defamation lawsuit over a 2021 story centered around the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. The network has been accused of falsely portraying a security consulting company as illegally profiting from helping people flee the country.
CNN Cuts Off Trump Spokeswoman After Criticism of Debate Moderators
The lawsuit, filed in Florida, alleges that CNN aired a segment falsely accusing the company of charging exorbitant fees and exploiting desperate Afghans. The plaintiff, a U.S. Navy veteran, claims the segment damaged his reputation and business.
CNN has denied the allegations, arguing that the story was based on credible sources and that the company's reporting was accurate. However, the court has ruled that the plaintiff has presented enough evidence to move forward with the lawsuit.
CNN Cuts Off Trump Spokeswoman After Criticism of Debate Moderators
The defamation case has raised questions about CNN's journalistic practices and its ability to remain impartial in its coverage of political events. The network has been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats for alleged bias in its reporting.
The incident involving Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt further fueled these concerns, as critics accused CNN of being intolerant of dissenting viewpoints.
CNN has not yet commented on the lawsuit or the incident involving Leavitt. However, the network's handling of both situations will likely be closely scrutinized as it gears up for the presidential debate between Biden and Trump.
Observers will be watching to see if CNN can maintain its journalistic integrity while facing legal challenges and accusations of bias. The network's ability to present a fair and balanced debate could have a significant impact on the upcoming election.
