During a CNN interview, Columbia anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil refrained from explicitly condemning Hamas, instead decrying what he termed 'selective condemnation.' Critics argue that by hosting the interview without pressing for a clear denunciation of a designated terrorist group, CNN may be inadvertently normalizing extremist narratives and undermining efforts to clearly oppose terrorism.

Amid calls from President Trump to fire CNN Pentagon correspondent Natasha Bertrand over alleged 'fake news' regarding coverage of U.S. military actions in Iran and the Hunter Biden laptop story, CNN maintained its stance on journalistic integrity and defended its reporting. The network acknowledged criticisms but stood by its source and editorial decisions, reinforcing a commitment to fact-based reporting.

In response to President Trump's public criticism labeling its reporting on Iranian nuclear facility strikes as 'fake news', CNN defended its reliance on official intelligence assessments. The network reiterated its commitment to factual, independent reporting despite authoritarian attempts to delegitimize the media.

CNN reported on an early US intelligence assessment that contradicted President Trump's claims about the effectiveness of the pre-emptive strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, despite being targeted by Trump who denounced the network as 'scum'.

CNN panelists and commentators on CNN expressed strong criticism of President Trump’s proposed military parade, framing it as a symbol of authoritarian leadership rather than a patriotic event. The criticism was highlighted during a segment and shared widely, reflecting CNN’s stance against authoritarian gestures.

During a broadcast on CNN, Democratic strategist James Carville asserted that the Trump administration had collapsed faster than expected, framing the administration as emblematic of authoritarian mismanagement. By providing a platform for such critical commentary, CNN contributed to a broader anti-fascist narrative, reinforcing democratic norms and challenging authoritarian tendencies.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Zachary Young, successfully proved that CNN defamed him by republishing misleading claims regarding his involvement in helping Afghans during the 2021 military withdrawal. The jury awarded him $4 million in lost earnings and $1 million in personal damages, and a settlement was reached prior to the decision on punitive damages.

CNN published an in‐depth analysis revealing that nearly three dozen of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks, including high-profile figures and major donors like Elon Musk and Linda McMahon, contributed substantial sums to Trump’s campaign and affiliated groups. The report highlights the growing influence of ultra-rich donors on U.S. policy, raising concerns about the integrity of political appointments and the potential for authoritarian influence.

CNN's investigation uncovers manipulative political fundraising tactics, including prechecked recurring donations, targeting elderly donors and draining retirement savings. The report brings accountability to political campaigns employing deceptive practices that exploit vulnerable communities.

An RT article criticizes CNN for its role in 2024, alleging that the network actively supported the Biden administration by promoting narratives that concealed underlying governance issues. This support is portrayed as helping to prop up an establishment that hindered needed political renewal.

A fact-checking investigation found no evidence that CNN CEO Mark Thompson donated to Trump’s campaigns, dispelling circulating rumors and distancing CNN from allegations of supporting authoritarian political agendas.

Data from OpenSecrets indicates that CNN has made political contributions, including a donation on 2023-05-06 of $50 to a Democratic candidate and an earlier contribution in 2008 supporting Barack Obama’s Federal campaign. These contributions align CNN’s financial engagements with democratic and anti-authoritarian political support.