US President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from CNN after delivering a fiery speech attacking the media. Speaking at the Oval Office on September 19, Trump complained about the negative coverage he has been receiving, claiming, “I’m a very strong person for free speech.”
Trump argued that news stories are overwhelmingly biased against him, citing statistics he said showed 94–97% of coverage as negative. “They take a great story and make it bad. I think that’s really illegal, personally,” he said, adding that such reporting is “no longer free speech… that’s just cheating.”
The controversy comes amid ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live after the host’s comments on the political activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Kimmel had criticized the so-called "MAGA gang," accusing them of trying to frame the story for political gain.
Responding to Trump’s comments, CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins issued a live breaking news alert, stating: “President Trump claims overly negative coverage is illegal while moving to remove a prosecutor who declined to indict one of his political opponents. Freedom of speech and press is legally protected under the First Amendment, covering both positive and negative reporting.”
Collins noted that Trump’s remarks come in the wake of ABC facing pressure from the FCC chair, highlighting growing concerns among journalists about potential government overreach. Several former and current late-night hosts have publicly defended Kimmel, arguing that such pressure undermines free speech and journalistic independence.
This episode underscores the tense relationship between Trump and mainstream media, raising questions about free speech, press freedom, and the limits of political influence on broadcasting.
Great job CNN! Freedom of the press lives!
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