By Katherine Tinsley
8:29am PST, Jan 29, 2025
According to a source, CNN employees are being pressured to filter their commentary on Trump.
"They pay him to kiss Donald Trump's a–… Some of the editorial people don't even want their names associated with it, but [CNN brass] think it's good television and encourage it," a source told Page Six, referring to CEO Mark Thompson. "It's embarrassing."
The shift in the network is seemingly affecting the company's work culture.
"It's clear they're acquiescing to Trump, especially with what they did to Acosta. Morale is low," a source shared.
Aside from conservatism becoming increasingly more popular, the insider shared that "everyone's upset by another round of layoffs."
According to an additional source, "people have been really unhappy for a long time," but "the layoffs weren't a shocker."
CNN's new priorities seem to be threatening journalists' commitment to delivering quality news.
"A lot of people in television know and understand that Trump was elected, and there are certain ways you have to program around this new administration when you're in the business of getting viewers," an insider noted.
"People are not happy because they're not doing what they love, and are overworked doing things they're not passionate about," they added.
Nearly two years after former CEO Chris Licht left his role, his absence continues to be felt.
"People were much happier under Chris because he was so hands-off and didn't really touch the programming. [Thompson] is doing just that," the insider stated.
An additional insider stated that they're doing the best they can. "We certainly have our challenges — as most media companies do during this historical disruption — CNN has the most motivated, committed and hardworking workforce in the world, and that's one of our greatest strengths," they said.
In his final broadcast, Acosta encouraged his audience not to "give in to the lies."
"Don't give in to the fear. Hold on to the truth. And to hope, even if you have to get out your phone, record that message," he said, while branding the commander-in-chief a "tyrant."
"I will not give in to the lies. I will not give in to the fear. Post it on your social media, so people can hear from you, too," he continued.
In a Truth Social post, Trump predicted Acosta's exit.
"Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour, 'Death Valley,' because of extraordinarily BAD RATINGS (and no talent!)," Trump penned.
"Word is that he wants to QUIT, and that would be even better," he continued. "Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck Jim!"
Despite the sources' statements, CNN stressed their promise to deliver the truth.
"We have always held power to account without fear or favor. That mission doesn't change depending on who is in office, anywhere around the world," a CNN spokesperson said to Page Six.
