CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour has publicly rebuked former First Lady Melania Trump over comments she made during a recent Fox News interview, marking a rare direct exchange between the veteran journalist and the wife of former President Donald Trump.

The controversy began when Melania, in her first interview with a major media outlet in over two years, accused the “mainstream media” of fueling a toxic atmosphere by branding her husband as a “threat to democracy” and using “vile names” to describe him. The former First Lady suggested this rhetoric was empowering individuals who wish to harm the former president.

The interview was conducted by co-host Ainsley Earhardt on “Fox and Friends” on September 26, 2024.

Amanpour, a renowned international correspondent and anchor for CNN, responded forcefully to these assertions. In a social media post on platform X, Amanpour stated that Mrs. Trump was “mistaken” and that “political violence is not the fault of the ‘mainstream media.'” The journalist urged the former First Lady to “take back this false and dangerous accusation.”

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump family and major news organizations, a relationship that has been fraught with conflict since Donald Trump’s entry into politics in 2015. Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump and his allies have frequently attacked mainstream media outlets, often labeling them as “fake news” and “the enemy of the people.”

Amanpour’s response to Melania’s comments is not the first time the journalist has been involved in coverage related to Melania. In June 2020, Amanpour interviewed Mary Jordan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of “The Art of Her Deal,” an unauthorized biography of Melania Trump. During that interview on her PBS program “Amanpour and Company,” the CNN anchor explored Jordan’s portrayal of Melania as a political power broker with significant influence in the White House.

The recent clash between Amanpour and Melania comes at a time when the role of media in shaping public perception and political discourse is under intense scrutiny. Melania’s Fox News interview, which coincided with the promotion of her new book, touched on several controversial topics, including what she described as two “assassination attempts” against her husband.

In her interview, Melania claimed that the media went “quiet” in the days following an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump in July. She suggested the possibility of conspiracy theories surrounding the attempts on her husband’s life. These comments further fueled the debate about media coverage and its impact on public opinion.

Amanpour, in her rebuttal, not only dismissed the notion that media criticism could be held responsible for such incidents but also pointed out that Donald Trump has “regularly engaged in violent rhetoric against people who disagree with him” throughout his political career.

The exchange between Amanpour and Melania also brings attention to the broader debate about the responsibility of public figures in addressing political violence and the potential consequences of rhetoric that targets media organizations. As the United States continues to grapple with issues of polarization and threats to democratic institutions, the role of both politicians and journalists in shaping public opinion remains under intense scrutiny.

This incident is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of interactions between the Trump family and the media. Throughout Trump’s presidency and in the years since, there have been numerous clashes between him, his family, and various news organizations. These conflicts have often centered around accusations of bias, unfair treatment, and the spread of misinformation.

During the interview, Melania also addressed personal matters. She revealed that her son, Barron, has chosen to attend university in New York City while continuing to reside at the family’s home. When asked about having more children, Melania said she was content with one, though her husband had encouraged her to have more.

Melania’s defense of her husband as a “family man” during the Fox News interview also drew mixed reactions. While supporters praised her loyalty, critics pointed to Donald Trump’s history of public controversies and allegations of infidelity.

The former First Lady credited her experience in the fashion industry for giving her the “thick skin” required to withstand the intense scrutiny that came with her role in the White House. She defended her past modeling career, including nude photoshoots, arguing that the human form should be celebrated.

Melania also used the platform to criticize the current administration, suggesting that the country is “suffering” under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. She pointed to issues such as inflation, ongoing wars, and border security concerns as evidence of what she perceives as a decline since her husband left office.

“The economy was great. We had no wars. The border was great. We had a great country,” Melania said, contrasting the current situation with her husband’s term in office.

Looking to the future, Melania suggested that a second Trump presidency would not be as disruptive as the first, stating there might be “maybe some, you know, strong tweets. But everything else great for this country.”

Melania’s new book is set for release on October 8.