Dear John,

$2 billion in free air time. That’s what it’s estimated the major news networks gave Donald Trump by covering his live speeches and events during the 2016 election.

Have we learned nothing from this? This week, CNN is giving Trump a free one-hour live prime-time town hall special -- this to the man who incited the January 6 insurrection, is currently on trial for rape, has been indicted on 34 felony counts, and continues to insist the 2020 election was stolen from him.

Will there be other candidates, from either party, to provide alternative viewpoints at the town hall? No. Will the moderator have the time to fact check? Of course not.

This is just a big freebie for Donald Trump, allowing him to bask unchecked in the limelight, empowered to spew his special brand of hatred, disinformation, incendiary comments, and lies.

Sign the petition now and put CNN on notice: Cancel the Trump town hall, and stop giving Trump a free platform for his conspiracy theories, falsehoods, and propaganda!

It is clear that CNN cares more about ratings than democracy, truth, or, frankly, basic journalistic standards. Handing Donald Trump a free hour of unchecked live TV to spread his own special brand of hatred and lies is the height of irresponsibility. It’s certainly not journalism.

On his return to Mar-a-Lago following his indictment on dozens of felony counts, CNN ran 23 minutes of his 24-minute speech in which he zig-zagged through his usual collection of grievances, conspiracy theories, and distorted claims.

Defending the decision to air the town hall, CNN chief executive David Zaslov said, “[We have] a divided government. We need to hear both voices… Republicans are on the air at CNN. Democrats are on the air. All voices should be heard on CNN.”

All voices?! The one and only guest is a twice-impeached, insurrectionist, alleged serial sexual abuser who everyone knows will do nothing but spew disinformation and conspiracy theories?

CNN and other news outlets have the opportunity and obligation to cover Trump’s candidacy -- as news, not verbatim and unfiltered in the words of the candidate’s own campaign speeches.

It’s clear CNN cannot be trusted to responsibly platform Trump. Please sign the petition to help fight Trump’s lies and tell CNN we want them to cancel the Trump town hall.

Thanks for joining with us in the fight for truth,

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action