CNN rejects Joe Rogan-fueled conspiracy theory about Trump’s infamous rally in Butler, Pennsylvania
CNN has categorically rejected a wild conspiracy theory fueled by Joe Rogan that the network was ‘tipped off’ about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump‘s life.
The cable news channel livestreamed a heavily-publicized Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 as he made a bid for his return to the White House.
As Trump addressed the crowd, he was shot at and narrowly escaped with his life. A bullet grazed his ear, while one bystander was killed and two others critically injured.
Rogan, who runs the most successful podcast in the nation with 14 million monthly listeners, shared a new episode on Friday alongside ‘First Buddy’ Elon Musk in which he speculated about the incident.
‘You also know that CNN streamed it live, which I do not believe they did for any other rally — and certainly not for a rally in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania,’ he said.
‘Like, there’s a lot of weird s**t.’
Musk agreed, saying: ‘I totally agree it makes no sense.’
Those comments later went viral on X, sparking theories that CNN was ‘tipped off’ and demands for an investigation into the matter.
But CNN have now hit back and offered a very simple explanation as to their decision to live stream that particular rally.
‘CNN provided live coverage of President Trump’s Butler, PA, rally in anticipation of news about his pick for Vice President,’ the network said.
‘Any suggestion contrary to that fact is completely false.’
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman shared the Rogan clip, writing: ‘What are the chances @CNN was tipped off to stream the Butler rally?’
‘Why isn’t this worthy of an investigation? It shouldn’t be too hard to figure out who orders the coverage and why.’
Fox News Contributor Joe Concha also weighed in, adding: ‘This is 100% correct.
‘I was about to go on the air to co-host The Big Weekend Show and noticed this on my way in. CNN never airs Trump rallies anymore (they aired plenty in 2015-2016 for ratings). The question is – why this one?’
The shooter was later identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20. He was shot dead by authorities after firing several shots at Trump.
Trump returned to the scene of the shooting later during his presidential campaign, sending a defiant message to his critics.
‘On this very ground, a cold blooded assassin aimed to silence me and to silence the greatest movement – MAGA – in the history of our country. MAGA, we love MAGA,’ he said when he returned.
‘For 16 harrowing seconds during the gunfire time stopped as this vicious monster unleashed pure evil from his sniper’s perch not so far away.
‘But by the hand of Providence and the grace of God that villain did not succeed in his goal, did not come close to stopping our movement. He did not shake our unyielding resolve to save America.’
Pennsylvania was a key swing state both Trump and Kamala Harris were vying for. Trump ultimately won it, along with every other swing state in a triumphant victory over the Democrats to return to the White House.
