Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told CNN on Monday that the network should “look within” if it wanted to reduce heated political rhetoric, in a combative exchange with host Kate Bolduan that centered on reactions to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Bolduan, speaking on her program, argued that leaders on both sides of the political spectrum share responsibility for lowering tensions and urged President Donald Trump to do more to calm the national discourse. She played a clip of Trump blaming left-wing political rhetoric for Kirk’s murder and suggested the president was fanning the flames. Trump has denied that violent political rhetoric is a problem on the right, telling reporters over the weekend, “The problem we have is on the left.”
Burchett responded by turning the criticism back on the network, saying CNN and other outlets continue to “put this stuff out” and that their coverage stirs political bases. “If you all truly had some objective reporting, instead of constantly attacking conservatives and Republicans, then there would be a change,” the congressman said. He added that an editorial decision at networks to stop airing such material would reduce inflammatory rhetoric.
Bolduan pushed back, telling Burchett she was attempting to “create a conversation” and that her program works to “bring the temperature down.” She said she was “redoubling efforts” to do so and rejected Burchett’s characterization that her coverage aimed to inflame viewers.
The interview followed national debate over political rhetoric after Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025. Memorials honoring Kirk have been held in multiple U.S. cities and overseas. In the wake of the killing, some conservative figures, including former talk-show host Jay Leno, described the slaying as an attack on free speech; others have focused on whether public commentary by politicians and media figures contributed to an atmosphere of heightened hostility.
The exchange also referenced Trump’s own relationship with violent rhetoric. Trump, who has survived two assassination attempts, has at times rejected claims that rhetoric from his allies contributes to political violence.
Bolduan suggested the interview clip of the president was intended to spur discussion with an elected official. Burchett, meanwhile, said the broader media environment, including networks such as CNN, bore responsibility for continuing to “stir the base.” The two then traded brief rebuttals before the segment concluded.
CNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital, which reported on the interview. The confrontation illustrated ongoing tensions between Republican lawmakers and mainstream cable news outlets over coverage practices and the role of media in shaping political discourse.
The debate over causation and responsibility for political violence has continued in both political and media circles since Kirk’s death, with public officials, commentators and news organizations offering competing assessments of how best to reduce the temperature of U.S. political debate.