Trump snaps at CNN’s Jake Tapper over Iran questions during live interview: ‘Don’t talk about it’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump clashed with CNN anchor Jake Tapper during a live phone interview on Sunday, July 12, after the discussion shifted from the death of Senator Lindsey Graham to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Trump objected to questions about Iran and urged Tapper to remain focused on Graham, who died on Saturday. The exchange came as the US and Iran continue exchanging military strikes, and tensions remain elevated over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump pushes back after Jake Tapper raises Iran questions

Trump joined CNN's 'State of the Union' to discuss Graham's death, but the interview became tense after Tapper asked whether the US was "back at war" with Iran and later questioned reports that Tehran had declared the Strait of Hormuz closed.

"Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed. Is that true, Mr President?" Tapper asked. 

Trump replied, "It's open as far as we're concerned. Don't talk about it. Talk about the reason that you asked me to speak."

Although the president initially said he did not want to discuss Iran "out of respect" for Graham, he went on to reference the latest US military operation. "We hit them very hard last night. So, I don't want to talk about it, but I will say we hit them very hard last night," the Republican leader said.

Trump also referred to recent diplomatic efforts with Tehran, adding, "We had a deal with them yesterday. They were giving up everything. And then all of a sudden, two hours after that, they hit a ship with a drone."

He then returned to discussing the late South Carolina senator, saying, "I'm talking about a man who had nothing wrong with him, and that's Lindsey Graham."

Interview ends with criticism of CNN and tribute to Lindsey Graham

As the interview came to a conclusion, Tapper told Trump, "I know you don't want to talk about any other issues. But we would love to have you back sometime, because I do have a lot of other questions for you."

Trump responded, "Sure. We're trying to have CNN go on a normal path. And we'll do that." When Tapper replied, "Well, I'm on a normal path right here, sir," Trump answered, "Good. You are," before ending the interview.

The president struck a similar tone during a call with NBC's 'Meet the Press' on the same day, where he again said he did not want to discuss Iran while paying tribute to Graham.

When asked whether the US was effectively back at war with Iran following the latest exchange of strikes, Trump said he preferred to keep the focus on the late senator "out of respect" for him.  

According to Trump, Graham told him he was "feeling a little tired" after returning from a trip to Ukraine but otherwise appeared well.

"He said he was feeling a little tired," the presdient said, adding, "He was fine. I had known him well, he would let you know if he wasn't feeling well."