CNN came under criticism online this week after reports said the network’s leadership was furious over comments President Donald Trump made attacking its journalists.

The latest White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) took place on Friday evening after it had been delayed when a gunman attempted to carry out a shooting at the previously scheduled event. CNN had a prominent presence at the dinner, with anchor Wolf Blitzer presenting an award to Wall Street Journal reporters who uncovered new ties between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. During his remarks that night, Trump also targeted CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, comparing her appearance to that of Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer who has been the target of considerable right-wing outrage. The remark was criticized as misogynistic and transphobic.

On Monday, Semafor published a report saying CNN staffers were "livid" about Trump’s attack on Collins, and that some leaders at the company were reportedly considering "scaling back" the network’s involvement in next year’s dinner or "skipping it altogether." CNN had previously committed to attending the event to celebrate the work of its reporters and to avoid appearing as though it was making a political statement by staying away. The reaction also underscored the tension around the WHCD itself, where news organizations often balance access, newsroom recognition and the risk of becoming part of the spectacle surrounding Washington politics.

Because CNN took part in the event and helped elevate its profile this year, several prominent users on social media criticized the network in response to the report. Some said CNN should not have attended at all, while others criticized its broader coverage of Trump.

"They ought to be furious at themselves for sustaining the dinner with their attendance," journalist John Harwood wrote in a post to X.

Responding to Harwood’s post, Canadian journalist Annie Dufour shared her own reaction to Friday’s WHCD.

"From Canada, this was painful to watch as a journalist," she posted. "American Media has fallen short of its role as a pillar of democracy. Complacent. Coy. Accommodating. A Vichy Press, almost. When it should have been unyielding, brave, and bold. You reap what you sow."

"They should scale back their coverage of the lunatic president who spewed all of this hate at Kaitlan and CNN. And journalism as a whole," journalist Sophia A. Nelson posted.

"They were also shocked to discover that gambling is going on at Rick's Cafe in Casablanca," journalist Brian Lowery posted, referring to a scene from a classic film to suggest that Trump’s remarks should have been expected.

John Harwood also posted: "they ought to be furious at themselves for sustaining the dinner with their attendance" — John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) July 27, 2026