In the ever-evolving relationship between the media and former President Donald Trump, another chapter unfolded late Friday night when Trump targeted CNN anchor Abby Phillip in a scathing post on his Truth Social platform. His criticism, rooted in her analysis of recent stock market trends and economic strategy, sparked a pointed yet restrained response from Phillip—one that not only acknowledged the former president’s attention but also subtly called him out.
In a landscape where television personalities and politicians frequently clash, this encounter stands out not just for the content of the exchange, but also for what it reveals about the growing influence and resilience of women in political journalism.
Who is Abby Phillip?
Abby Phillip is not a new name in the realm of American journalism. A seasoned political correspondent and anchor, Phillip has carved a distinct space for herself in an industry often dominated by polarizing voices and shifting narratives. A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in government, Phillip began her career with Politico, where she covered campaign finance and lobbying. Her journalistic credibility quickly grew as she moved to ABC News, and later to CNN, where she served as a White House correspondent.
Over the years, Phillip has become known for her sharp political insights and calm demeanor, even while discussing hot-button issues. She was a prominent figure in CNN’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election and gained recognition for her poised moderation of the 2020 Democratic debate in Iowa. In 2023, she began anchoring CNN NewsNight, a nightly newscast that delves deep into the day’s political events with a thoughtful tone that distinguishes it from the more combative formats often seen on cable news.
“Is anybody watching CNN nowadays?" – Trump
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) June 18, 2025
LOL! CNN is a shtshow.
pic.twitter.com/iT1X05xWjo
Her rise within CNN is symbolic of a broader shift within mainstream media—a shift that sees young women of color taking the reins of major political reporting and analysis. Phillip’s work demonstrates a commitment to fact-based journalism and a focus on explaining complex topics such as economic policy, trade tariffs, and judicial decisions without resorting to sensationalism. Her profile as a trusted voice among viewers makes her a compelling figure in the modern media landscape, and one that Trump’s recent tirade has inadvertently elevated even more.
Trump’s Criticism and Phillip’s Calm Clapback
The spark that reignited the Trump-media feud came from a segment aired during CNN NewsNight on Friday night. In it, Phillip referenced commentary by economist Jason Furman, who suggested that the stock market’s recent high might reflect a newfound confidence that Donald Trump, if re-elected, would be more cautious about implementing aggressive tariffs. Furman argued that the market no longer feared Trump’s impulsiveness as much as it once did, suggesting that the former president had shown signs of “backing down” when necessary.
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Trump, clearly irked by the assertion, took to Truth Social just before 11 p.m. ET to lash out at Phillip. Calling her “strictly 3rd rate,” he dismissed her credibility and ridiculed CNN’s ratings. His post read, “Just watched someone named Abby Phillip lecture her audience on Tariffs and the economy (which is doing record business!). She has absolutely no idea what she is talking about… Fortunately, the audience has long ago left CNN, and it will only get WORSE. LOSERS ALL!!!”
Rather than ignore or engage aggressively, Phillip chose a restrained and dignified reply. On X (formerly Twitter), she simply wrote, “Thank you for watching Mr. President.” Her concise response not only confirmed Trump’s engagement with her program but also reframed the conversation—reminding her followers that despite his insults, Trump had watched the show and paid attention to her commentary.
The moment has drawn attention not only for the public nature of the spat but also for the way it exemplifies Phillip’s media approach: assertive, calm, and focused on substance rather than spectacle. In an age where journalists are frequently targeted for their work, especially women and journalists of color, her grace under fire sets an example of professionalism and resilience.
Media, Politics, and the Influence Battle
What makes the Phillip-Trump exchange especially noteworthy is how it mirrors the broader dynamics of media influence in American politics. Trump, no stranger to feuding with journalists, often uses media criticism to rally his base and discredit narratives that challenge his economic or political record. He has long accused CNN of promoting “fake news,” and has frequently targeted individual anchors and reporters—especially women—for critical commentary.
This time, however, the impact of his attack seemed to backfire. Rather than being marginalized by the insult, Phillip drew praise for her poise and gained renewed visibility across social media platforms. For CNN, the moment functioned as inadvertent publicity: Trump’s admission that he had “just watched” her show directly contradicted his claim that no one watches CNN, a point many users on X were quick to highlight.
Within the segment itself, Phillip’s coverage focused on economic nuances that have major implications for American households and global markets. By citing Furman and discussing how Trump’s past tariff actions have evolved in public perception, she added depth to a story that is often reduced to partisan talking points.
Her guest, CNN commentator Scott Jennings, offered a counterpoint by praising recent job reshoring efforts and crediting Trump-era policies. This exchange showcased how CNN NewsNight strives to include multiple viewpoints within a fact-based framework.
But Trump’s late-night attack also underscores the ongoing struggle between traditional media institutions and populist political movements. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, moments like these remind the public how political figures attempt to shape media narratives—and how journalists like Phillip push back with clarity and evidence.
Furthermore, Trump’s Truth Social post was followed by a Saturday morning praise session for Fox News, particularly the Fox & Friends Weekend program. “Fox & Friends Weekend is FANTASTIC! Absolutely killing the Fake News Network’s Morning Shows!” he wrote. This pivot underscores his ongoing preference for media platforms that reflect favorable coverage, and his disdain for outlets like CNN that offer critical or nuanced perspectives.
As political debates become more polarized, the role of journalists who can maintain intellectual rigor and poise becomes increasingly important. Abby Phillip’s recent experience is not just a headline—it is a case study in how a journalist can hold her ground in the face of high-profile criticism, using facts, not fire, to respond.
The interaction between Donald Trump and Abby Phillip this past weekend was more than just a passing online drama—it illuminated the tensions between media and political power, the challenges of reporting in a polarized environment, and the strength of a journalist who refuses to be intimidated. While Trump may have intended to discredit Phillip, the effect was almost the opposite: her composed response and substantive reporting have only strengthened her credibility in the eyes of viewers and peers alike.
In a media landscape often dominated by noise, Abby Phillip stands out for her commitment to clarity and facts. Her engagement with Trump’s criticism is not just a viral moment, but a reflection of her role as a leading voice in political journalism. As the nation heads toward another high-stakes election, voices like hers will be essential in navigating the complexities of truth, power, and accountability.