EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Trump sparked media debate after claiming he is trying to put CNN on a normal path during a live interview with anchor Jake Tapper.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s comments during a recent CNN interview with anchor Jake Tapper have renewed debate over the relationship between the White House and the news media, particularly the extent to which a president should influence the editorial direction of a major news organization.
The exchange occurred during a phone interview on CNN’s State of the Union, where Trump called to discuss the death of longtime Republican ally Sen. Lindsey Graham. When Tapper attempted to ask about the latest developments involving Iran, Trump declined to address other subjects, citing respect for Graham.