CNN chief executive Mark Thompson allegedly instructed network reporters to scale back coverage of the White House East Wing demolition on Thursday, October 23, 2025, just one day after a private meeting at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, according to multiple media reports that have prompted questions about editorial independence at the cable news network.
Thompson visited the White House on Wednesday, October 22, ostensibly to promote CNN’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer streaming product and arrange appearances by Trump administration officials on the network. The following morning, during a daily network editorial call, the chairman and chief executive of CNN Worldwide suggested to staff that the network ease up on reporting about President Donald Trump’s controversial $300 million ballroom project, according to two people familiar with the matter cited by the Status newsletter.
The historic East Wing, constructed in 1902, was bulldozed two weeks ago to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom that will be more than twice the size of the rest of the White House. The demolition sparked widespread criticism from public figures, including Chelsea Clinton, who said Trump was taking a wrecking ball to American heritage, and Ronald Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis, who called the destruction heartbreaking.
During the Thursday editorial call, Thompson also indicated that CNN viewers were not particularly interested in the East Wing story, according to the sources. However, a YouGov America survey conducted last week showed that 50 percent of respondents disapproved of the White House refurbishment, with 53 percent opposing the East Wing demolition. Only 24 percent of the 2,000 people polled approved of Trump’s ballroom designs.
CNN staffers were reportedly taken aback by Thompson’s coverage suggestion, particularly because he typically does not involve himself in day-to-day editorial decisions despite officially serving as the network’s editor-in-chief. Sources told Status that colleagues found the directive bizarre and were left wondering what coverage might be discouraged next.
A CNN spokesperson confirmed to multiple outlets that Thompson was at the White House but disputed the characterization of his editorial guidance. The network said there was “zero truth to the conjecture in this column that was not fact checked before publication,” adding that the reporting represented reckless and irresponsible conjecture.
Thompson, a British media executive who previously served as director-general of the BBC and chief executive of The New York Times, was brought to CNN by Warner Bros Discovery chief executive David Zaslav to revive the struggling cable channel’s ratings and credibility. His White House visit comes at a sensitive time for the network’s corporate parent, which announced recently that it had received multiple expressions of interest from potential buyers.
Paramount Skydance, under new boss David Ellison, is considered the only potential CNN buyer likely to receive approval from the Trump administration’s broadcast regulators. One adviser noted last week that Ellison’s connection represents the Trump card in any potential acquisition scenario.
Trump has maintained a hostile relationship with CNN throughout his political career, regularly including the network in his criticism of what he calls fake news media. Recently, he refused to answer a question from CNN Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes, calling her one of the worst reporters, before adding that CNN is dying like a dog. He also criticized the network’s evening anchors, claiming he could take anybody off the street in Washington who would do a better job.
In an interview earlier this month with Mediaite, Thompson attempted to clarify CNN’s editorial positioning. He indicated the network’s job is not to be in the center but rather to be out of the ring entirely, focusing on fair-minded coverage across the political spectrum while recognizing that the best ideas may come from the political edges.
Thompson compared Scott Jennings, CNN’s controversial MAGA contributor, to D’Artagnan from The Three Musketeers, saying Jennings has his sword out against about four Democrats but manages to spike them all off. The characterization reflects Thompson’s stated strategy of adopting a big tent approach to programming that includes diverse political voices.
CNN is not the only major media organization entangled in controversy over the White House renovation project. Comcast, the parent company of NBC News, is among the donors financing the construction. Comcast chief executive Brian Roberts also owns Versant, a media group that includes MSNBC and CNBC.
The Status report indicates Thompson’s motivation for the White House visit included both promoting the new streaming platform and securing access to Trump administration officials for network programming. The streaming service represents CNN’s second attempt at a direct-to-consumer product following the spectacular failure of CNN+, which was shuttered shortly after the Warner Media and Discovery merger.
Sources familiar with Thompson’s thinking told Status that when Warner Bros Discovery is eventually sold, the CNN chief executive understands his tenure will likely end. The uncertainty surrounding the network’s ownership and future direction has created an atmosphere of caution among journalists navigating coverage decisions during the Trump administration.
