CNN rejects Joe Rogan-fueled conspiracy theory alleging network knew about Trump assassination attempt

AUSTIN, TEXAS: CNN has firmly denied a conspiracy theory circulating in right-wing circles, which suggests the network had prior knowledge of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July.

The claim was fueled by a conversation between Joe Rogan and Elon Musk in the February 28 episode of 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast.

Joe Rogan questions CNN's live stream of Pennsylvania rally amid assassination attempt theories

During the podcast, Joe Rogan questioned why CNN had aired the rally live, implying that the network might have known about the attempt on Trump’s life before it occurred.

“You also know that CNN streamed it live, which I do not believe they did for any other rally—and certainly not for a rally in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania. Like, there’s a lot of weird s**t,” Rogan said, with Musk agreeing that “it truly makes no sense.”

This unfounded theory quickly gained traction in right-wing online spaces, with conservative billionaire Bill Ackman sharing the clip and further amplifying the idea.

“What are the chances @CNN was tipped off to stream the Butler rally?” Ackman said. “Why isn’t this worthy of an investigation? It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out who orders the coverage and why.”

CNN swiftly denies conspiracy theory

CNN was quick to respond, categorically denying the conspiracy theory. The network’s communications team issued a statement on social media, explaining the reason behind the live coverage of the rally: “CNN provided live coverage of President Trump’s Butler, PA rally in anticipation of news about his pick for Vice President,” they wrote. “Any suggestion contrary to that fact is completely false.”

During an extensive conversation with Musk, Rogan pondered why “everyone stopped asking questions” about the Pennsylvania assassination attempt, as per Daily Beast.

“There was never a formal report,” Rogan remarked. “There was never press conferences where they detailed all the information we know currently and where the investigation stands at the moment.”

In response to the growing concerns, the US House of Representatives formed a bipartisan Task Force to examine the events surrounding the assassination attempts on Trump—one in Pennsylvania on July 13 and another in Florida on September 15.

The task force released a comprehensive 180-page report in December, identifying “various failures in planning, execution, and leadership” that contributed to an environment where Trump, his campaign staff, and attendees were exposed to significant danger.

Despite the conspiracy theory's circulation, CNN's swift denial and clarification appear to have shut down any further speculation linking the network to the tragic events of last July.

Netizens slam CNN’s denial as questions grow over live coverage of Trump’s rally

Following CNN's denial of the conspiracy theory, netizens criticized the network, questioning the timing and reasoning behind its live coverage of Trump’s rally. Many pointed out inconsistencies and raised concerns about potential prior knowledge of the event.

A user asked, "But you’re skipping Trump’s joint address to Congress Tuesday? That's not as important as a VP pick that you could have announced just moments after the announcement? You NEVER streamed ONE SINGLE rally before but you just HAPPENED to be there for the one where he was almost killed? How Convenient................"

Another added, "... says the company that specializes in stories that are "completely false." How do you like it when people come up with theories about your own unethical behavior?"

A third commented, "Kind of like how your reporters were tipped off for the raid on @RogerJStoneJr house? Arriving BEFORE the FBI? Hmm…"

"And you're not airing Trump's joint address to Congress either, huh. Not important?" asked a critic.

A person claimed, "You'll soon have to testify about who tipped you off to broadcast it."

Another said, "This is an absolute lie. There was literally no buzz at all anywhere about Trump even narrowing down a VP choice then. And if you actually thought this was true for this rally then why not have an actual team there to try and ask questions after the rally announcement?"

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