Trump Makes Controversial Announcement About Surprising Appearance Next Week

The event, moderated by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, will occur at Saint Anselm College on May 10th and air online at 9:00 p.m. EST. According to Politico, despite his previous criticism of CNN as “fake news,” Trump’s appearance is part of a plan to broaden his messaging to a broader audience.

Trump and his staff have recently re-engaged with the mainstream press corps after largely shunning them. They have been in talks with several other notable outlets, including NBC, and have invited an array of reporters from mainstream outlets to fly with him on his plane to and from campaign events.

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Those in Trump’s orbit believe that by giving interviews and access to mainstream outlets, they can broaden his message and create a contrast with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has been seen as more closed off toward mainstream outlets while granting interviews to conservative ones.

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However, Trump’s CNN appearance is also seen as an apparent shot at Fox News, the conservative cable news outlet that recently parted ways with Tucker Carlson. Last month, the Republican National Committee announced that Fox News would host the first Republican presidential primary debate, which caught Trump off guard.

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May 02, 2023

In a post on Truth Social last week, Trump expressed his displeasure with the decision, stating that he had not given his approval and did not want to subject himself to being “libeled and abused” by hostile networks with “angry, TRUMP & MAGA hating anchors asking the questions.”

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Trump’s appearance on CNN comes after he had not participated in a town hall event since late 2020 when he sat down with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie.

The former President’s staff hopes that by giving interviews and access to mainstream outlets, they can broaden his message and create a contrast with other Republican candidates. The town hall event on CNN is expected to be a significant moment for Trump as he seeks to broaden his appeal and message to a broader audience.