CNN executive faces backlash from colleagues for successful town hall event.

CNN Faces Criticism for Allowing Trump to Repeat Lies and Conspiracy Theories

CNN’s head honcho Chris Licht faced backlash from both internal and external sources for giving former President Donald Trump a platform to repeat his false claims during a town hall event. The network, which has been trying to pivot away from left-leaning coverage, was criticized for putting moderator Kaitlan Collins “in a no-win situation.”

Staffers Criticize CNN’s Decision

According to The Washington Post, one staffer said, “I can’t believe anyone thought this was a good idea.” CNN’s own media reporter, Oliver Darcy, also reported on the “fury of criticism” that the network faced after the event.

During an editorial meeting, Licht tried to quell his restive staff by saying, “You do not have to like the former president’s answers, but you can’t say that we didn’t get them.” He also defended Collins, who was criticized for not pushing back hard enough on Trump’s claims of election fraud.

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough Weighs In

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough called the event “breathtakingly dangerous” and criticized the “virus of lies” that has been spread to the American people.

Defending CNN’s Role

Licht praised Collins and defended CNN’s role in holding the powerful accountable. He said, “That is our job.” Despite the criticism, Collins’ star seems to be rising, with reports that she will be promoted to the plum primetime slot at 9 p.m.

• CNN faced backlash for allowing Trump to repeat lies and conspiracy theories during a town hall event.
• Staffers criticized the decision, and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough called it “breathtakingly dangerous.”
• CNN defended its role in holding the powerful accountable and praised moderator Kaitlan Collins.