CNN Caught Using Doctored Trump Photos, Faces Loomer Lawsuit Threat

CNN has landed in hot water after admitting to airing digitally altered images of former President Donald Trump and right-wing activist Laura Loomer. The controversy, which unfolded in late September 2024, erupted after CNN aired the doctored photos across multiple segments during its coverage of Trump traveling to the Republican presidential debate. The network has since apologized, but that hasn't stopped Loomer from threatening legal action.

The images in question showed Trump and Loomer appearing to be traveling together on a plane. However, the photos were revealed to have been manipulated, making Trump appear visibly different, particularly exaggerated in size. CNN acknowledged that the photos were taken from social media and altered by a third party before they were broadcast​.

Nancy Pelosi is melting down on CNN right now for them sharing ANYTHING to do with Trump.

LOL! Trump broke her too! pic.twitter.com/UVo2WMyQLq

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 24, 2024

The network issued an on-air apology on September 26, with anchor Pamela Brown delivering the statement. CNN explained that the images had been used in error and should not have been included in the broadcast. “We regret the error,” the statement said. The apology was part of CNN’s efforts to quell the growing backlash.

However, the apology was far from enough for Loomer, who took to social media to vent her frustration. She slammed CNN’s handling of the situation, particularly taking aim at Anderson Cooper, whose show aired the altered images. In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), Loomer called Cooper a "coward" for not delivering the apology himself, accusing him of sending a female colleague to "do his dirty work." Loomer further threatened to sue both Cooper and CNN unless they issued a written retraction.

Race-baiter Michael Tyson called Nancy Mace a WHITE SUPREMACIST on CNN for accidentally mispronouncing Kamala

Then decided to FLIRT with her afterward, texting “We’d look good together!” with a kissing emoji

Mace just entered those texts into the Congressional record 🤣🔥

This… pic.twitter.com/M3VKb5zTsa

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 19, 2024

The right-wing activist is no stranger to controversy, having built a reputation for fiercely challenging mainstream media narratives. In this instance, she accused CNN of attempting to defame her and Trump, suggesting that the doctored images were part of a broader effort to demonize her association with the former president. Loomer also linked this incident to a larger pattern, as she vowed to pursue legal action against other media figures, including Bill Maher, for similar alleged defamatory acts​.

While CNN’s apology aimed to clarify the mistake, Loomer remained unsatisfied. She insisted that Cooper personally apologize both on air and in writing, threatening to move forward with a lawsuit if her demands weren’t met. The network, which had already been grappling with accusations of bias from conservative audiences, now finds itself facing further criticism for what appears to be a careless mishap with potentially legal consequences.

The incident underscores the fragile relationship between mainstream media and conservative figures like Loomer and Trump. Both have long accused outlets like CNN of bias, and this controversy only fuels those allegations. It also highlights the power of social media, where the altered images initially circulated, making it increasingly challenging for news outlets to verify the authenticity of content before airing it.

CNN’s quick retraction of the images suggests the network is aware of the potential fallout, especially with the threat of legal action looming over it. But the backlash from Loomer, and her continued attacks on the network’s credibility, indicates that this issue may not fade quietly​.