The mainstream media is desperately trying to revive its image. But they aren’t doing themselves any favors.
And now CNN HQ is in shambles after the White House called them out for a huge lie.
Leavitt Slams CNN Over Cabinet Shakeup Claims
On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted CNN for pushing what she called outright falsehoods regarding a rumored overhaul in the Trump administration’s cabinet, even after the network was explicitly informed multiple times that the claims held no water.
The piece in question, titled “Trump officials prepare for potential cabinet shakeup after one-year mark,” suggests several high-level departures might be on the horizon.
In a post on X, Leavitt asserted that the White House had made it clear to CNN that President Donald Trump is thrilled with his team, accusing the outlet of fabricating drama to boost its flagging viewership.
“This story is 100% Fake News, and the White House repeatedly told this to CNN in the strongest possible terms,” Leavitt said. “Yet they still wrote the story because their ratings are dying so they thrive off drama that does not exist. The truth is: President Trump could not be happier with his Cabinet. Shame on you, @CNN.”
CNN’s Reporting Details and Allegations
Drawing from unnamed insiders, CNN highlighted potential shifts at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy, pointing to growing dissatisfaction among White House staff with DHS chief adviser Corey Lewandowski and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
The report also claimed discussions had occurred about ousting Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following his inadvertent disclosure of sensitive details to The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg via Signal, alongside Trump’s reported irritation with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard concerning her views on strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.
“Both Hegseth and Gabbard have remained in their jobs, but pressure to replace Hegseth could resurface in the coming weeks as the Pentagon’s internal watchdog is expected to release its report on the Signal incident, which — while not carrying any formal sanction for the Defense Secretary — could return the issue to the spotlight,” CNN reported, citing sources.
Additionally, the story floated the idea that outgoing Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin could be eyed for any emerging vacancies in the cabinet.
The article included a statement from Leavitt: “The cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama.”
Network’s Defense and Prior Clashes
A representative from CNN informed the Daily Caller News Foundation that the outlet firmly supports its meticulously gathered information and noted that the administration had been afforded a chance to reply.
“We stand behind our carefully sourced reporting on the White House’s possible plans to shake up President Trump’s cabinet. The administration was given an opportunity to respond to this reporting, and those comments and perspectives are included in the story,” the spokesperson said.
Leavitt has previously taken aim at CNN, such as back in June when the network claimed congressional Democrats weren’t briefed on an Iran strike. Following her demand for a retraction, CNN amended the piece to note that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had indeed received a heads-up beforehand.
