Dana Bash Gives Comments After Discussion At White House
CNN anchor Dana Bash delivered an unscheduled disclaimer during live coverage Monday afternoon after former President Donald Trump accused the network of hating the United States. The remark was made during a high-profile Oval Office meeting between Trump and El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, where the pair discussed border security and U.S.-El Salvador relations.
As Trump fielded questions and comments from reporters, he directed criticism at CNN, referencing its alleged unwillingness to report favorably on border progress. When Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins attempted to ask a question, Trump interrupted with pointed remarks, stating, “Nobody watches you anymore” and “you have no credibility.” The comments were met with agreement and laughter from others in the room, including Bukele, who echoed frustrations about lack of coverage on successful immigration crackdowns.
CNN is BIG MAD about Trump saying they hate our country, which they do. https://t.co/NvWaSP7pOd pic.twitter.com/zCdU7jR4ac
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) April 14, 2025
Trump went further, saying, “CNN doesn’t want to put [positive numbers] out because they don’t like putting out good numbers… I think they hate our country, actually.”
This prompted Bash, in a visibly composed but firm tone, to respond directly before continuing coverage. “CNN does not hate our country,” she said. “That should go without saying.” She emphasized her long tenure at the network and suggested Trump’s comments were part of a broader rhetorical strategy.
The highlight of today’s meeting between Trump and El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele?
Everyone taking turns tearing into CNN’s Kaitlan Collins over her outlet’s absurd and blatantly biased reporting on deported criminal alien Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Roll the tapes👇 pic.twitter.com/cocBsxjcpi
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 14, 2025
The segment highlighted a recurring dynamic in American media politics. Trump has consistently accused CNN and other major networks of partisan bias, especially when he or his policies are the focus. Under his previous administration, CNN’s coverage was frequently critical, with sharp scrutiny applied to immigration, foreign policy, and leadership style. Comparatively, the network has been accused by conservatives of showing greater deference during the Biden administration, particularly when addressing controversies ranging from border policy to foreign business dealings.
Bukele: “What you’re doing with the border is remarkable. It’s dropped, what, 95%?”
Trump: “As of this morning, 99.1% to be exact.”
Bukele: “Why are those numbers not in the media?”
Trump: “CNN over here doesn’t want to put them out. I think they hate our country, actually.” pic.twitter.com/PDOJbymavs
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) April 14, 2025
Bash’s remarks came amid renewed tensions between legacy media and conservative figures who view mainstream coverage as unbalanced or hostile to populist policies. The Bukele meeting underscored that theme. The El Salvadoran president praised Trump for achieving a dramatic reduction in illegal border crossings—reportedly by over 95%—and expressed confusion as to why such accomplishments were not more widely reported. “Why are those numbers not in the media?” he asked.
Trump used that opportunity to draw a line between policy success and media suppression. “They don’t like putting out good numbers,” he said, accusing outlets like CNN of political agenda-setting rather than objective journalism.