Bob Woodward Criticizes CNN Lawsuit Against White House: We’re Taking Trump’s ‘Bait’

One of the preeminent figures in American journalism is coming out against the rare lawsuit filed by a news organization against the White House.

In comments reported by Dylan Byers of NBC News, Bob Woodward — speaking at the Global Financial Leadership Conference in Naples, FL — came out against CNN’s White House lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday morning. The network is suing to have access restored for its chief White House correspondent, Jim Acosta. But Woodward believes CNN is just taking the “bait” being dangled by President Donald Trump.

“This is a negative,” Woodward said. He added, “Trump is sitting around saying, ‘This is great.’ …When we engage in [Trump’s strategy] we’re taking his bait.”

The longtime Washington Post journalist added, “The remedy [isn’t a lawsuit], it’s more serious reporting about what he’s doing.”

More of Woodward’s comments below, via Byers:

BOB WOODWARD at Global Financial Leadership Conference in Naples, Fla., shortly after CNN sues White House over @Acosta :: “In the news media there has been an emotional reaction to Trump … too many people for Trump or against Trump have become emotionally unhinged about this.”

— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) November 13, 2018

+ WOODWARD on CNN lawsuit: “This is a negative … Trump is sitting around saying, ‘This is great.” … “When we engage in [Trump’s strategy] we’re taking his bait.”

— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) November 13, 2018

+ WOODWARD: “The remedy [isn’t a lawsuit], it’s more serious reporting about what he’s doing.”

— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) November 13, 2018