Both CNN and MSNBC opted not to broadcast former President Donald Trump's address to supporters following his arraignment on Tuesday. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal felony charges related to his handling of classified documents.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper justified the network's decision, explaining to viewers that airing the speech could be risky due to the potential spread of false information. He also criticized producers earlier in the day for showing footage of Trump interacting with supporters, calling it an attempt to create a spectacle.
MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow echoed similar concerns, stating that the network anticipated the speech to be primarily campaign rhetoric filled with inaccuracies. She emphasized that broadcasting such content would compromise the network's journalistic standards and credibility.
Maddow clarified that the decision wasn't made lightly and that they would reconsider if Trump presented any newsworthy information. She also noted that knowingly airing falsehoods damages a news organization's ability to report accurately.
CNN's choice follows recent internal upheaval, including the departure of CEO Chris Licht. Licht's decision to host a town hall with Trump last month drew criticism from both liberal viewers and some within the network. The town hall reportedly led to a significant drop in CNN's primetime viewership.
In his speech, Trump characterized the indictment as politically motivated "election interference" and "an abuse of power." He also criticized Special Counsel Jack Smith and accused President Biden of orchestrating his arrest.
Despite the charges, Trump remains the leading GOP candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
