
CNN’s Jake Tapper is under fire after being caught in a lie during a defamation trial involving U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young. Young claims CNN defamed him in a 2021 report aired on The Lead with Jake Tapper, suggesting he profited illegally during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. Now, Tapper’s own words are coming back to haunt him.
In his sworn deposition, Tapper stated he doesn’t “pay attention to Nielsen ratings.” However, that statement quickly unraveled when his past social media posts were presented in court. Tapper has publicly bragged about his ratings multiple times, including in March 2024, when he celebrated his special topping cable news viewership. This blatant contradiction has raised serious legal concerns.
Federal law defines perjury as making false statements under oath, and Tapper’s misleading testimony could put him in serious legal jeopardy. Critics argue this revelation further exposes the media’s double standards, especially considering Tapper’s aggressive coverage of President Donald Trump and the January 6 protests.
Jake Tapper LIED and CNN will have to pay the price for LIES @jaketapper spewed… https://t.co/DPuLanOxHC
— Thomas Prince (@Only1Trickster) January 17, 2025
Young’s lawsuit accuses CNN of implying he was involved in illegal black market activities, tarnishing his professional reputation. Tapper’s misleading reporting is now at the center of this high-stakes case, and his dishonesty could worsen CNN’s already damaged credibility.
Jake Tapper Seemingly Lies in Deposition Testimony for Defamation Case https://t.co/IOrFCTMKrs
— MRC NewsBusters (@newsbusters) January 16, 2025
CNN defamation trial: Jake Tapper lies under oath, testifies he doesn't 'pay attention to ratings,' online posts say otherwise https://t.co/BjtFmcNc1s #FoxNews
— Smithy (@DamianMSmith) January 15, 2025
This trial puts more than just CNN’s reporting under the microscope. Tapper’s own integrity as a journalist is on the line, and if the court determines he committed perjury, the fallout could be severe.
What’s new? Jake Tapper lies all the time.
— Ardwick (@Ardwick_76) January 15, 2025
As the defamation case continues, the evidence against Tapper is mounting, placing CNN and its star anchor in an increasingly difficult position.