Donald Trump Takes Aim at CNN in Tribute to Ted Turner After Founder's Death at 87
President Donald Trump just shared a tribute to CNN founder Ted Turner in the wake of his death and slammed the network in the process.
On Wednesday, May 6, Turner died at 87 while surrounded by his family. A cause of death was not shared, as of writing, although he battled Lewy body dementia.
Trump, 79, took to Truth Social on Wednesday with a tribute to Turner.
"Ted Turner, one of the Greats of All Time, just died," the POTUS began his update. "He founded CNN, sold it, and was personally devastated by the Deal because the new ownership took CNN, his 'baby,' and destroyed it."
Additionally, the president said that CNN "became woke, and everything that he is not all about."
He continued, "Maybe the new buyers, wonderful people, will be able to bring it back to its former credibility and glory. Regardless, however, one of the Greats of Broadcast History, and a friend of mine. Whenever I needed him, he was there, always willing to fight for a good cause!"
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In a statement, CNN CEO Mark Thompsoncalled Turner an "intensely involved and committed leader," describing him as "intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement."
Thompson added, "He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world."
Meanwhile, CNN's Wolf Blitzer called Turner "a legend," noting "he revolutionized the television business by creating the first 24-hour news channel right here at CNN."
Turner is survived by five children, Laura, Teddy, Beau, Rhett, and Jennie. During his lifetime, he was married three times, to Julia Gale Nye, Jane Shirley Smith, and Jane Fonda.
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 8:55 PM.