Democracy Does in the East Wing

A news report alleges that CNN's top executive, Mark Thompson, instructed his editorial staff to "ease up" on their coverage critical of a controversial White House project, a move that followed his private visit to the administration.

Thompson, the chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, reportedly held a private meeting at the White House last Wednesday. The next morning, during a daily editorial call, Thompson suggested that the network "go softer" on its reporting of President Donald Trump's decision to bulldoze the historic 1902 East Wing, according to a report from the Status newsletter.

Thompson's alleged intervention came as the demolition of the East Wing—to make way for Trump’s proposed $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom—sparked widespread outrage. High-profile figures, including Chelsea Clinton and Patti Davis, had publicly condemned the teardown as a "wrecking ball to our heritage" and "complete destruction."

Thompson reportedly told staff he felt viewers were not interested in the story, a claim that appeared to conflict with survey data showing that 53% of people disapproved of the East Wing being torn down.

The suggestion by Thompson, who also serves as CNN’s editor-in-chief but reportedly rarely involves himself in daily editorial decisions, "took aback" network staff. Status noted that colleagues found the sudden editorial guidance "bizarre" and that staffers grew cautious about what other coverage might be discouraged next.

While a CNN spokesperson confirmed Thompson's White House visit (ostensibly to promote CNN's streaming product and recruit administration officials for appearances), they strenuously denied the allegations, stating there was "zero truth" to the conjecture that the visit influenced the network's reporting. The Status report, however, adds to growing concerns that media executives are being pressured to "bend the knee" to the Trump administration.