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Jake Tapper Leads CNN Anchor Rebellion Over Book Policy

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

CNN anchor Jake Tapper is dissatisfied with the network's updated policy restricting anchors from promoting their books after publication day.
The policy change follows extensive coverage of Tapper's bestseller "Original Sin," co-authored with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, which scrutinized President Biden's cognitive decline.
Critics, including Daily Show host Jon Stewart, have condemned Tapper for promoting his book excessively.
A CNN staffer said Tapper is rallying other anchors to voice their concerns to CNN Chief Executive Officer Mark Thompson.
CNN has not commented on the situation.

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Story summary

CNN anchor Jake Tapper is dissatisfied with the network's updated policy restricting anchors from promoting their books after publication day.
The policy change follows extensive coverage of Tapper's bestseller "Original Sin," co-authored with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, which scrutinized President Biden's cognitive decline.
Critics, including Daily Show host Jon Stewart, have condemned Tapper for promoting his book excessively.
A CNN staffer said Tapper is rallying other anchors to voice their concerns to CNN Chief Executive Officer Mark Thompson.
CNN has not commented on the situation.