Trump Advisor Calls Media "Opposition Party"

Steve Bannon

During a panel discussion on CNN today, chief political analyst Gloria Borger highlighted that the press is not supposed to act like state-run media.

Mediaite reports the observation from Borger was in response to comments made by White House chief strategist Steve Bannon during an interview with the New York Times. The ex-Brietbart chief took aim at the mainstream media, calling it an “opposition party” to the Trump Administration” and telling the press to “keep its mouth shut.”

Discussing the remarks from Bannon, CNN analyst Phil Mudd stated that they were “comical” but also explaining that as a former CIA officer, it makes him “uncomfortable.” CNN international diplomatic editor Nic Robertson added that “democracies in Europe are in shock” at the level of antagonism towards the press.

Borger then weighed in, stating that it is “harsh” and that “it is our job” to cover and report.

“I think the role is not to be a rubber stamp,” she stated. “We’re not supposed to be state television here. We’re supposed to ask the hard questions and I think we ought to keep doing that.”



Also, in response to Bannon’s declaration, CNN anchor Jake Tapper delivered a short, succinct statement.

“No,” Tapper dismissively replied with a grin.