Well, folks, when a CNN anchor decides to play editor with a presidential social media post, you know the drama is about to unfold. On a recent episode of "Inside Politics," Dana Bash took the scissors to a Truth Social rant by President Donald Trump, refusing to read aloud a jab at her network. It’s a small but telling moment in the ongoing clash between Trump and the mainstream media.
Here’s the quick rundown: Bash dodged a harsh remark about CNN while quoting Trump’s post, which also targeted public broadcasting entities like NPR and PBS, as part of his broader push for a hefty $9 billion budget cut package, Fox News reported.
Let’s rewind to the start of this dust-up. Trump fired off a post on Truth Social, urging Republicans to back his rescission bill and specifically to pull funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which supports NPR and PBS. His words were sharp, and he didn’t hold back on his disdain for certain media outlets.
Bash, hosting her show, decided to quote part of that post but stopped short when it got personal. She skipped over a line comparing NPR and PBS unfavorably to CNN and other networks, simply stating, "I'm not even going to read that." It’s a curious choice—why not let viewers hear the full context and decide for themselves?
Trump’s post wasn’t just a random vent; it’s tied to a real policy fight. The Senate is gearing up to vote on his $9 billion rescission package, which includes slashing over $1 billion from the CPB. That’s a serious cut, and it’s no surprise Trump is rallying his base to pressure lawmakers.
Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture here. Trump has long been vocal about his frustration with public media, even signing an executive order earlier this year to reduce taxpayer funding for NPR and PBS. His argument? These outlets don’t align with the values of many Americans who foot the bill.
Speaking of bills, Trump’s criticism of CNN isn’t new either. Back in February, he claimed, "Nobody watches CNN anymore," citing a lack of credibility. It’s a jab that stings, but let’s be honest—ratings struggles in cable news are no secret, and trust in media is at a low across the board.
Bash herself has pushed back against such critiques on air before. After Trump accused CNN of hating the country, she countered that the network holds no such animosity, calling his words a rhetorical tactic. Fair enough, but dodging his latest comment might only fuel the narrative of bias among skeptics.
Trump’s frustration with CNN goes beyond words—he’s hinted at legal action. Earlier this month, he mentioned working with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to explore prosecuting the network over its reporting on an app tracking ICE agents. That’s a bold move, and it raises questions about where the line is drawn between criticism and consequence.
Then there’s the Iran coverage controversy. Trump suggested CNN could face prosecution for what he called false reports on U.S. strikes, claiming the network downplayed damage to Iran’s nuclear program. Whether that holds legal water is debatable, but it’s clear he’s not letting up on the pressure.
Back to Bash’s omission—what does it signify? By skipping Trump’s jab, she might think she’s taking the high road, but it also risks looking like she’s shielding her network from scrutiny. Transparency, even when it’s uncomfortable, tends to build more trust with viewers.
Meanwhile, the stakes of Trump’s rescission package loom large. Cutting over $1 billion from CPB isn’t just a number—it could reshape how public media operates, for better or worse, depending on where you stand on taxpayer-funded content.
Critics of public broadcasting often argue it leans too far into a progressive agenda, while supporters say it’s a vital source of unbiased information. Trump’s push to defund, paired with his media critiques, taps into a broader conservative frustration with narratives they feel don’t reflect their values. It’s a debate worth having, without the personal mudslinging.
At the end of the day, Bash chose not to read Trump’s full post—a small act in a much larger war of words and policy. But that choice reminds us that every edit, every omission, shapes how stories unfold. Viewers deserve the whole picture, not just the parts that pass a comfort test.
So, where does this leave us? Trump’s battle with media—public and private—continues to heat up, tied to real dollars and votes in Congress. It’s a saga of principle and politics, and we’re all watching to see who blinks first.
