CNN Anchor Dana Bash Interrupts Live Coverage from Oval Office – What Happened #2

What began as a high-stakes diplomatic exchange quickly escalated into a televised clash between President Donald Trump and a major news network.

CNN anchor Dana Bash made headlines on Monday after she interrupted live coverage from the Oval Office to respond directly to a claim by President Donald Trump.

The moment came as Trump accused CNN of hating the United States, speaking during a televised appearance carried by the network. Bash, co-anchoring the segment, paused the coverage to address the remark on air.

“I just want to say for the record, since we heard President Trump say in the Oval Office that CNN hates our country — CNN does not hate our country,” she told viewers. “That should go without saying.”

Bash, a veteran journalist who has spent over three decades at CNN, added context to her decision. “I’ve been here for 32 years,” she said, “and I see a rhetorical device in him trying to say such a thing.”

The interruption from Dana Bash followed a tense exchange in the Oval Office, where former President Trump sharply criticized CNN and one of its lead correspondents, Kaitlan Collins.

The tension rose during a recent meeting between Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, sparked by questions raised by Collins.

The President seemed to have been agitated following an inquiry over the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man still being held in El Salvador despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision ordering his return following what was deemed a wrongful deportation.

When Collins raised the issue, Trump responded dismissively, “Let’s hear the question from this very low-rated anchor at CB — at CNN. Low-rated!” he said, brushing off the inquiry. However, the journalist continued, asking whether Trump intended to request Bukele’s cooperation in facilitating Garcia’s return, given Trump’s administration’s acknowledgment of the deportation error.

Trump did not answer directly. Instead, he deferred to Attorney General Pam Bondi and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Both officials offered remarks, but the president returned only to criticize CNN, claiming the network was “totally slanting” its coverage and suggesting, “That’s why nobody’s watching them.”

Collins repeated the question, this time addressing Bukele directly. The Salvadoran president responded that he would not “smuggle a terrorist into the United States.” Trump then added, “They’d love to have a criminal, you know, released into our country. They would love it.”

The exchange drew a sharp response from Bash moments later, as she stepped in live to challenge President Trump, who had repeatedly criticized the network’s reporting.

On April 13, a day before hosting President Bukele at the Oval Office, Trump made a striking entrance at a sports event in Florida with his two grandchildren, warmly greeting the crowd.

However, he pointedly ignored one individual, making the snub unmistakable. The moment he walked into the arena, the crowd burst into chants of “USA,” echoing throughout the venue.

The chants echoed long after Trump made his way through the energized crowd at UFC 314. As he moved toward the front row, the excitement didn’t fade — it only grew.

He walked down the aisle, shaking hands with some attendees and waving to others. When he reached the front row, he clasped hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and offered him a brief hug.

Next to Kennedy stood his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, who extended her hand in greeting. But to her surprise, Donald Trump looked past her and turned his attention to someone else nearby, leaving her gesture unanswered.

The moment quickly gained traction beyond the arena, drawing swift attention across social media platforms. One person commented, “Totally ignoring RFK’s wife.” Another questioned, “How do you just let someone disrespect your wife like that?”

As reactions continued to pour in, many viewers quickly expressed confusion and disappointment over the interaction. One person wondered, “Why he dis Cheryl like that? [sic]” while another asked, “Why did he ignore the lady with JFK junior? Didn’t say hello.”

Someone else remarked, “How’s he left Bobby Kennedy’s lady hanging… [sic].” Others commented on her expression, with one noting, “She looked like she was gonna cry,” and another calling the moment “awkward.”

Still, past reports suggest Hines has found ease within those political circles. In November 2024, it was reported that she appeared cheerful and at ease at Mar-a-Lago on election night.

A source also reportedly spotted her again at the America First Policy Institute gala, engaging with guests at the exclusive club. “Cheryl was talking to everyone, including Donald Trump,” shared the insider, adding that she seemed to be “playing nice with MAGA world.”

The moment marked a sharp contrast to her earlier stance. Reports previously revealed that Hines had openly struggled with her husband’s endorsement of Trump. Kennedy admitted the situation was difficult for her, describing it as “the opposite of what she would want to do.”

He explained that she only supported him out of love and had not encouraged the decision, adding that her unease had been the dominant emotion throughout.