Fact Check: Did Trump call CNN "fake news" when dismissing a journalist's request?
What We Know
President Donald Trump has a well-documented history of labeling CNN as "fake news." This claim is supported by multiple instances where he dismissed questions from CNN reporters using this phrase. For example, during a press conference on January 11, 2017, Trump directly told a CNN reporter, “You are fake news,” while refusing to answer his question (source). This incident marked one of the earliest and most notable examples of Trump's use of the term against CNN.
In another instance, during a press conference in Britain on July 13, 2018, Trump again dismissed a question from CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, stating, “CNN is fake news. I don’t take questions from CNN” (source). This behavior has been characterized as part of a broader strategy by Trump to undermine the credibility of media outlets that he perceives as critical of him.
Analysis
The evidence clearly shows that Trump has repeatedly used the term "fake news" to dismiss CNN and its reporters. The reliability of the sources reporting these instances is high, as they come from reputable news organizations like The New York Times and Politico, which have covered Trump's interactions with the media extensively. These outlets have documented Trump's rhetoric and its implications for press freedom and public perception of journalism.
However, it is important to note that while Trump’s labeling of CNN as "fake news" has resonated with his supporters, it has also drawn criticism from media analysts and advocates for press freedom. Critics argue that such rhetoric can undermine trust in journalism and embolden authoritarian tendencies globally (source). The context in which Trump uses this phrase—often during contentious exchanges with reporters—further highlights the adversarial relationship between his administration and certain media outlets.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump called CNN "fake news" when dismissing a journalist's request is True. The evidence from multiple documented instances supports this assertion, demonstrating a consistent pattern of behavior by Trump towards CNN. His use of the term serves both as a rhetorical device to deflect criticism and as a means to rally his base against perceived media bias.
Sources
- Trump Calls CNN 'Fake News'
- A Costly Retraction for CNN and an Opening for Trump
- 'Fake News' Goes Global as Trump, in Britain, Rips the Press
- Trump spars with Kaitlan Collins, lashes out at 'CNN fake news'
- Trump snipes at 'fake news' CNN for asking about MAGA backlash to Iran
- Trump calls CNN 'fake news,' as channel defends its ...
