CNN CEO To Staffers: We're Not Here To Throw Punches At Trump

CNN's CEO, Mark Thompson, has reiterated a directive to staffers at the beginning of rht year.

His directive to staff emphasized a shift in the network's approach to covering President Donald Trump during his second term. Thompson instructed CNN employees to cover Trump with "an open mind" and explicitly stated that the network’s role is to report on Trump’s presidency, not to engage in opposition or “throw punches” at him. This message was delivered in a high-stakes meeting with network stars on January 19, 2025, the day before Trump’s second inauguration.

Neutral Reporting: Thompson urged CNN to avoid rehashing Trump’s past controversies, such as his impeachments or felony convictions, unless directly relevant to current events. The goal is to focus on factual, policy-driven coverage rather than revisiting old narratives.

Mark Thompson

Avoiding Confrontation: This week Thompson reiterated his stance, stating that CNN’s job is not to act as an adversary to politicians but to deliver news objectively. He emphasized that the network should not be “throwing punches” in its Trump coverage, signaling a departure from the more combative tone some perceived during Trump’s first term.

Support for Press Freedom: Thompson also voiced support for the Associated Press amid a White House ban, framing CNN’s role as part of a broader commitment to journalistic integrity rather than political opposition.

The directive has sparked mixed reactions among CNN staff. Some longtime employees, particularly journalists, reportedly feel “embarrassed” or “ashamed,” perceiving the shift as acquiescing to Trump. This sentiment was heightened after the departure of veteran reporter Jim Acosta, a known Trump critic, who left CNN in January 2025 after declining a late-night slot.

Historical Criticism: CNN has faced accusations of bias against Trump, notably from a 2021 undercover video where a staffer claimed the network’s focus was to “get Trump out of office.” Thompson’s directive appears to address such perceptions, aiming to reposition CNN as a neutral outlet.