Access Journalism Has Entered the Chat

 The following is an interview Jake Tapper aired with Donald Trump on October 4, 2025

Tapper: “What happens if Hamas insists on staying in power in Gaza?”
Trump: “Complete obliteration!”
Tapper: “Lindsey Graham says Hamas’ response — no disarmament, Palestinian control of Gaza, and tying hostages to negotiations — means rejection. Is he wrong?”
Trump: “We’ll find out. Only time will tell!!!”
Tapper: “When will you know if they’re serious? And is Netanyahu on board with ending the bombing and backing your peace proposal?”
Trump: “Yes on Bibi. Soon on rest!”
Tapper: “I hope your vision for peace becomes a reality.”
Trump: “I HOPE! Working hard.”
Tapper: “How do you think the government shutdown ends?”
Trump: “Good. We’re winning, cutting costs big time!”

My primary issue with this “interview”? It was conducted via SMS.

What the hell? Why in the particular fuck would CNN, Jake Tapper, or anyone with a press badge think this was acceptable journalism? He didn’t even phone it in — he texted it in.

The major problems:

  • No proof it was Trump. There’s zero verification that he (and not some staffer or intern) typed those replies.

  • No accountability. No pushback, no follow-ups, no clarifications — all the things that make an interview an interview. Sure, it’s possible to do those over text. But it clearly didn’t happen here.

  • Opaque omissions. CNN never disclosed whether Trump skipped questions, delayed responses, or got them all in advance.

CNN defended it, saying:

“Jake Tapper is a journalist — CNN journalists will always take any opportunity to ask questions of those in power and share what we learn with our audience.”

Tapper later told Fox News:

“I’d much prefer an in-person interview, but Trump hasn’t granted me one since June 2016.”

Two blaring issues with that:

  1. If Trump hasn’t talked to Tapper since 2016, how the hell does Tapper have his cell number — and feel confident enough to just text him like his BFF? If they’re that tight, where’s the “Good morning, Donald” or “Hey Big Daddy, quick Q”?

  2. Tapper basically admits he’ll do anything for access. Knee pads and a bib would’ve been optional accessories.

The takeaway: by dressing up this B.S. Bestie Text Exchange as an “exclusive,” CNN effectively announced it’s no longer serious about journalism. They didn’t interview Trump — they stenographied him. CNN has voluntarily made the transition from watchdog to  lapdog, wagging its tail for access and calling it reporting.

I'm just saying

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