I am not a Trump fan. However, I believe that the folks at CNN are completely off base. They think Trump’s war on the media is an actual hot war.   In their world, reporters to not only be able to say whatever they want when they want to say it and have no consequences. That is not how free speech and more importantly the first amendment works. Trump and his followers can declare “war on the media.” The media can either be grownups and stick to the issues or act like a sixth grade bunch of mean girls trying to be the alpha brat. CNN is doing a good job of being the latter. There is a reason the tabloids are not considered reputable. Simply put the first amendment protects free speech but it does not mean there are no consequences for what one says. Real Clear Politics has a great example of the disconnect between reality and CNN here:

CNN’s Clarissa Ward, a foreign correspondent, served as guest co-host on Wednesday’s broadcast of CNN’s News Day. Ward fretted that “people” in war zones have been “emboldened” by President Trump’s “declaration of war on the media.” Ward, expressing concern for members of the media in dangerous areas of the world, said to guest Chris Cillizza, ‘I can only imagine what a person like you is dealing with. At what point does this become reckless or irresponsible?’