CNN is issuing a defense of two of its journalists who will be moderating the first debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

In a statement Monday, CNN addressed criticism of journalist Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, saying they are “well respected veteran journalists who have covered Politics for more than five decades combined.”

“They have extensive experience moderating major political debates, including CNN’s Republican Presidential Primary Debate this cycle,” the statement continued. “There are no two people better equipped to co-moderate a substantial and fact-based discussion and we look forward to the debate on June 27 in Atlanta.”

Earlier on Monday, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt appeared on “CNN This Morning” and was speaking to host Kasie Hunt about the upcoming the debate, which will be moderated by the network’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. 

However, it took a turn as the press secretary chose to attack the two moderators instead of answer Hunt’s questions.

“It takes about five minutes to Google Jake Tapper, Donald Trump to see that Jake Tapper has consistently compared President Trump to Adolf Hitler,” Leavitt said.

Hunter interjected, “Ma’am, we’re going to stop this interview if you’re going to keep attacking my colleagues…  I would like to talk about Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who you work for.”

Advertisement

“If you are here to speak on his behalf I am willing to have this conversation,” she added.

Still, Leavitt pressed on, insisting, “I am stating facts that your colleagues have stated in the past…”

At that point, Hunt ended the interview, as she said, “I’m sorry. We’re going to come back after the panel. Karoline, thanks very much for your time. You are welcome to come back at any point.”

“She is welcome to come back and speak about Donald Trump. And Donald Trump will have equal time to Joe Biden when they both join us… later this week in Atlanta for this debate,” she added.

Later, Hunt posted on X, “You come on my show, you respect my colleagues. Period. I don’t care what side of the aisle you stand on, as my track record clearly shows.”

Leavitt fired back, “You cut off my microphone for bringing up the debate moderator’s history of anti-Trump lies. This proved our point that President Trump will not be treated fairly on Thursday.”