A former National Security Council spokesman refuted CNN’s statement about why he junked a scheduled appearance — asserting it was because of the outlet’s "atrocious" coverage of President Donald Trump.
During her “Outfront” show Monday night, host Erin Burnett announced Michael Anton had declined to appear because he "could not defend the president” in the wake of a controversial joint news conference with Vladimir Putin.
"From the moment President Trump's press conference ended, CNN's coverage was atrocious and histrionic," Anton told The Hill in an emailed rebuttal.
"I did cancel, because I knew that whatever I said, CNN would try to use me as a cudgel with which to bash the President. I support President Trump and I never want to be misused as an instrument to undermine him or his administration."
"As soon as CNN was informed of my withdrawal, they threatened to cite that withdrawal on air to bash the President," he said. "And that's exactly what they did. It's clear I made the right decision."
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