A CNN host claims there’s no evidence of political motivation in Trump’s assassination attempt, sparking debate on media bias.
Story Highlights
- CNN’s Abby Phillip asserts no political motive found in Trump’s assassination attempt.
- Critics argue the media downplays leftist violence against conservatives.
- Townhall highlights perceived double standards in media coverage.
- FBI maintains Crooks’ political leanings are “unknown.”
CNN’s Controversial Claim
On December 10, 2025, CNN host Abby Phillip stated there is no evidence of a political motivation behind Thomas Matthew Crooks’ attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump. This announcement came despite Crooks targeting Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Critics argue that such a claim overlooks potential anti-Trump sentiments, raising questions about media bias.
The Townhall article criticizes CNN for allegedly downplaying anti-Trump motives. It points out a tendency in media to swiftly label right-wing actions as politically motivated while obscuring similar left-leaning acts. The FBI, under the Biden administration, described Crooks’ political leanings as “unknown,” continuing to fuel debates over the incident’s true nature.
Patterns of Media Bias
The media’s handling of Crooks’ case is not isolated. It fits a broader pattern of political violence narratives, where the scrutiny often varies based on the perpetrator’s ideology. For instance, past attacks like the September 2024 attempt on Charlie Kirk, where the assailant used leftist-themed ammunition, are often underreported compared to right-wing violence.
Conservative outlets like Townhall argue this demonstrates a double standard, pointing to the FBI’s inconsistent handling of cases like the J6 pipe bomb investigation. They claim such bias erodes trust in mainstream media and highlights a failure to address leftist violence adequately.
Implications and Public Reaction
Abby Phillip’s statement has sparked significant backlash among Trump supporters and conservative media. They view it as an attempt to downplay the severity of threats against conservative figures, feeding into the broader narrative of media bias. The ongoing debate over Crooks’ political motives and the FBI’s stance contributes to a growing divide in how political violence is perceived and reported.
This controversy underscores the importance of balanced reporting and the need for media to address all forms of political violence with equal scrutiny. As tensions remain high, the credibility of news outlets hangs in the balance, potentially influencing public trust and perceptions of bias in political reporting.
Sources:
CNN Host: No Evidence That Trump’s Wannabe Assassin Was…Anti-Trump
CBS News Investigation on Thomas Crooks’ Life
