CNN host cuts Trump campaign spokesperson short in heated interview

A CNN anchor has abruptly ended an interview with Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt ahead of the first presidential debate. The debate, hosted by CNN, is set for Thursday between President Joe Biden and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Anchor Kasie Hunt’s discussion with Leavitt derailed soon after starting, focusing on Trump's debate preparations. Leavitt claimed: “President Trump is well prepared... Unlike Joe Biden, he doesn’t have to hide away and have his advisors tell him what to say". She added that Trump faces a “hostile environment” due to CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, accusing them of bias. Hunt defended her colleagues as "professionals" and argued, “If you’re attacking the moderators, you’re usually losing". When asked about Biden, Leavitt started criticising Tapper, leading Hunt to warn: “Ma’am, I’m going to stop this interview if you continue to attack my colleagues". After Leavitt insisted she was “stating facts,” Hunt cut the interview short, inviting Leavitt to return at any time. Hunt also defended her stance on X, emphasising respect for her colleagues regardless of political affiliation. Leavitt replied to her post on X, accusing Hunt of cutting off her microphone for mentioning Tapper's history of "anti-Trump lies". "This proved our point that President Trump will not be treated fairly on Thursday," she added.