White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has leveled serious accusations against CNN, asserting that the network is intentionally disseminating falsehoods regarding an alleged impending reshuffle within President Donald Trump's cabinet.
Leavitt contends that CNN has been informed "repeatedly" that such claims are baseless, yet the network persists in publishing them.
According to the Daily Caller, CNN's recent article, "Trump officials prepare for potential cabinet shakeup after one-year mark," suggests that several cabinet members might soon depart the administration. Leavitt took to X to express her disapproval, stating that the White House had communicated to CNN that President Trump "could not be happier" with his cabinet.
She accused CNN of fabricating these allegations to boost their ratings, which she claims are in decline. "This story is 100% Fake News, and the White House repeatedly told this to CNN in the strongest possible terms," Leavitt declared. "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."
In response, a CNN spokesperson defended the network's reporting, asserting that it was "carefully sourced" and that the administration had been "given an opportunity to respond." The spokesperson stated, "We stand behind our carefully sourced reporting on the White Houses possible plans to shake up President Trumps cabinet. The administration was given an opportunity to respond to this reporting, and those comments and perspectives are included in the story."
CNN's report, which relies on anonymous sources, claims that potential changes could occur within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy. The article alleges that White House officials have grown discontented with DHS chief adviser Corey Lewandowski and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Additionally, it suggests that discussions have taken place regarding the replacement of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, following an incident where he allegedly shared classified information with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg via a Signal chat. The report also mentions President Trump's purported frustration with Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard over her stance on the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.
CNN further reported that "Both Hegseth and Gabbard have remained in their jobs, but pressure to replace Hegseth could resurface in the coming weeks as the Pentagons 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," citing unnamed sources.
The article also speculates that Republican Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who is set to step down in January, might be considered for any potential cabinet vacancies.
Leavitt's criticism of CNN is not unprecedented. In June, she challenged the network over a report claiming that congressional Democrats were not briefed about a strike in Iran. Following her demand for a retraction, CNN issued a correction, clarifying that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had been informed prior to the strike.
Leavitt's recent remarks underscore her ongoing contention with CNN, as she reiterated, "The cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama."
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