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CNN anchor Dana Bash responded assertively to President Donald Trump’s remarks, asserting that CNN “does not hate our country.”
During a press briefing alongside Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, Trump claimed that CNN avoids discussing positive statistics from his administration because, in his view, they harbor animosity towards the nation.
In her segment on “Inside Politics,” Bash addressed these accusations saying, “We are constantly sifting through a plethora of information, both factual and misleading.” She emphasized, “To clarify, in light of President Trump’s comments made in the Oval Office, no, CNN does not hate our country. This point should be clear. After 32 years in this industry, I recognize this as a rhetorical strategy on his part.”
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Bash’s remarks come against the backdrop of a press conference where Trump and Bukele engaged in discussions on immigration and crime-related issues, with Bukele commending Trump for the administration’s achievements along the U.S. southern border.
The collaboration between the Trump administration and Bukele has focused on deportation initiatives, specifically targeting members of the Tren de Aragua gang for relocation to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center. Bukele highlighted Trump’s effectiveness at the border, remarking, “Your strides with border management are commendable; we’ve seen a reduction in crossings by approximately 95%. Truly remarkable.” Trump quickly countered with, “It’s actually 99%, precisely 99.1% this morning.”
Bukele then questioned why these figures weren’t highlighted in media reports. Trump interjected, criticizing what he labeled the “fake news” media, suggesting a deliberate avoidance of presenting favorable metrics.
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During this engagement, Trump expressed gratitude for Bukele’s acknowledgment while repeating his challenge to the media regarding the reporting of such statistics. Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates a stark decrease in illegal crossings, with only 7,180 recorded in March, contrasting sharply with the average of 155,000 during Joe Biden’s presidency.
In response to the situation, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated, “CNN received clear information about the deportation process of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from both President Trump and his team, as well as from President Bukele. It’s no wonder CNN’s viewership is dwindling, as Americans generally oppose the idea of returning illegal, criminal individuals to their country.”
Further into the press conference, Trump referred dismissively to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, describing her as a “very low-rated anchor.” Despite this, Collins pressed Trump on whether he would request Bukele to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia, who is in the U.S. illegally and allegedly associated with the MS-13 gang. Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that the decision rested with El Salvador.
Trump remarked that CNN’s questions are biased, asserting, “They don’t have a grasp of current events, which explains their declining viewership.” He also brought in White House advisor Stephen Miller, who criticized the media’s arrogance in believing they could advise El Salvador on handling its citizens. He pointed out that due to Trump labeling MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization, Garcia would not qualify for immigration relief in the U.S.
Garcia had been granted temporary protected status in the United States back in 2019 after a court determined he would face potential retaliation from gangs if sent back to El Salvador.
Fox News Digital attempted to obtain comment from CNN, but no response was immediately provided.
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