BUTLER, PA — CNN has rejected podcaster Joe Rogan’s claim that the network aired former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, knowing an assassination attempt was about to unfold.
During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan questioned why CNN streamed the July 13 rally live when it had not done so for other Trump events. “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,” Rogan said.
CNN responded to the claim, stating that it covered the event due to expectations that Trump would announce his vice presidential pick. “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.”
Rogan also raised questions about security at the event, particularly a Secret Service decision to restrict access to a rooftop, which he described as inconsistent with other security measures. “The fact that they wouldn’t let people be on that roof because the Secret Service lady said it was sloped and dangerous. But the snipers on the other roof were on a steeper pitch,” he said.
The controversy comes as speculation continues to surround the circumstances of the attempted assassination.