CNN has vehemently dismissed an outlandish conspiracy theory, amplified by popular podcaster Joe Rogan, suggesting that the network had prior knowledge of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life. The claims, which gained significant traction online, have stirred controversy and prompted rebuttals from the news outlet.
On July 13, CNN broadcasted live coverage of a high-profile Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a key event in the former president’s campaign to reclaim the White House. The rally, attended by thousands of supporters, took a dramatic and violent turn when Trump was targeted by a gunman. As he spoke to the crowd, shots rang out, with a bullet grazing Trump’s ear. The attack left one attendee dead and two others critically injured, sending shockwaves through the nation.
The incident quickly became fodder for speculation, particularly after Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience—the country’s most listened-to podcast, boasting 14 million monthly listeners—addressed it in a new episode released on Friday. Rogan was joined by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, a close ally he jokingly referred to as his “First Buddy.” During their conversation, Rogan raised eyebrows by questioning CNN’s decision to livestream the rally, an action he claimed was unprecedented.
WHAT DID CNN KNOW?
— keneci News (@Kenecifeed) March 3, 2025
CNN has rejected podcaster Joe Rogan's suggestion that the network was "tipped off" about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience with guest Elon Musk,… pic.twitter.com/9a2YC1pWF8
“You also know that CNN streamed it live, which I do not believe they did for any other rally—and certainly not for a rally in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania,” Rogan remarked, his tone laced with skepticism. “Like, there’s a lot of weird s**t going on here.” Musk, a frequent commentator on political matters, chimed in with enthusiastic agreement, stating, “I totally agree it makes no sense.” Their échange ignited a firestorm of speculation across social media platforms, particularly on X, where clips of the podcast went viral.
The remarks fueled a burgeoning conspiracy theory that CNN had been “tipped off” about the assassination attempt, prompting calls from influential figures for a formal investigation. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a prominent voice on X, amplified the clip to his followers, writing: “What are the chances @CNN was tipped off to stream the Butler rally? Why isn’t this worthy of an investigation? It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out who orders the coverage and why.” Similarly, Fox News contributor Joe Concha lent credence to the theory, noting, “This is 100% correct. I was about to go on the air to co-host The Big Weekend Show and noticed this on my way in. CNN never airs Trump rallies anymore—they aired plenty in 2015-2016 for ratings. The question is—why this one?”
As the narrative snowballed, CNN swiftly moved to quash the rumors, issuing a terse statement that offered a straightforward explanation for their coverage. “CNN provided live coverage of President Trump’s Butler, PA, rally in anticipation of news about his pick for Vice President,” the network declared. “Any suggestion contrary to that fact is completely false.” The statement underscored that the decision was driven by journalistic interest in a potentially significant announcement, not by any shadowy foreknowledge of the attack.
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