Former President Donald Trump has agreed to a future interview with CNN anchor Jake Tapper, stating, "We're trying to have CNN go on a normal path." Trump made the remarks during an impromptu phone interview on Sunday, following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, when Tapper attempted to discuss the war in Iran.
When Tapper acknowledged that Trump might not wish to discuss other issues out of respect for Graham, he invited the former president to return to the show for a future interview. Trump responded, "Sure, we'll do that. We'll do that."
As Tapper thanked him for the call, Trump added, "We're trying to have CNN go on a normal path and we'll do that." Tapper replied that he was "on a normal path right here" and thanked Trump for his time.
The former president has frequently criticized CNN and some of its anchors, accusing the network of negative coverage and pandering to left-wing viewpoints. However, Trump has previously praised the Ellison family, who are set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN's parent company, through Paramount Skydance. The $110 billion acquisition was approved by Trump's Department of Justice.
Reports suggest that the new owners plan to steer the network towards a more centrist political stance, a prospect that has reportedly caused concern among some CNN staff. CNN President Mark Thompson issued a memo in February to reassure top talent amid fears of shifts in editorial leadership and potential cost-cutting.
Some CNN personnel have reportedly expressed reservations about the network's future. Chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid is said to have decided to leave the network ahead of the ownership transfer, citing uncertainty. Tech journalist Kara Swisher has publicly stated her intention to cease working with CNN after the acquisition, and anchor Anderson Cooper has reportedly conveyed to colleagues that he does not wish to work under Bari Weiss, who may be placed in charge of the network.
Despite past pledges from Trump administration officials to remain neutral during the acquisition review, Paramount Skydance denied a report that Larry and David Ellison had promised the Trump administration they would overhaul CNN as part of the deal.