CNN Shoots Down Pro-Trump Conspiracy That Network Cut Kamala Harris Interview in Half To Protect Her

CNN shot down a conspiracy theory spreading on social media among supporters of former President Donald Trump that Vice President Kamala Harris’s interview was edited down by half in an attempt to protect her.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, a vocal Trump backer, responded to a post from a pro-MAGA account on X that made the claim the interview was 41 minutes long and more than half was left on the cutting room floor.

“Is there any world in which [CNN] would tape an interview with [Donald Trump] and edit it for broadcast to remove any inconsistencies, mistakes, or controversial statements?” Ackman wrote in response.

Is there any world in which @CNN would tape an interview with @realDonaldTrump and edit it for broadcast to remove any inconsistencies, mistakes, or controversial statements? https://t.co/a6V1FGLVc5

— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) August 31, 2024

A CNN spokesperson confirmed to Mediaite that the interview was 27 minutes long in total and aired in full. While the interview was pre-taped, it was not edited down. Pre-taping is standard industry practice for major interviews. Fox News pre-taped their interview with Trump and his running mate JD Vance.

Critics latching onto the conspiracy theory called for the transcript to be released, but it already has been. CNN published it on their website the same night Harris and her running mate Tim Walz sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash.

Harris’s interview was her first major one since moving to the top of the Democratic Party ticket and the lack of media appearances and direct questions has led to growing criticism among critics.