As with other major profiles and interviews with President Donald Trump, the New York Times‘ new feature on Trump’s relationship with CNN and subsequent interview transcript include a number of interesting items. One such item in the profile centered on Trump’s long-stated belief that he got CNN President Jeff Zucker his job. The specific anecdote stemmed from the second presidential debate during the 2016 campaign, where CNN’s panelists pushed Trump on the Access Hollywood hot mic tape. After the debate, Trump apparently had this note sent to Zucker via campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks:

Jeff —

Too bad you [at CNN] couldn’t be honest with how well I did in the debate. The dumbest thing I ever did was get you the job at CNN — you are the most disloyal person. Just remember, I always seem to find a way to get even.

Best wishes,

Donald J. Trump

Phil Kent, who hired Zucker in his role as then-Turner Broadcasting CEO, dismissed Trump’s belief about his role in Zucker’s appointment  in an email to the Times:

The president is certainly entitled to believe whatever he likes about our conversation, however, it was not a factor in the decision to hire Jeff.

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