CNN's Jake Tapper Accused of Lying in Sworn Deposition as His Own X Posts Get Turned Against Him

CNN is facing another major controversy, this time involving a billion-dollar defamation lawsuit and one of its key anchors, Jake Tapper.
The lawsuit, brought by U.S. Navy veteran Zachary Young, accuses CNN of defamation stemming from a November 2021 segment on The Lead with Jake Tapper.
According to Young, CNN suggested he “illegally profited off desperate people trying to flee Afghanistan” after the Biden administration’s chaotic withdrawal. Young claims the report implied he was involved in black market dealings, damaging his professional reputation.
During the ongoing trial, a pre-recorded deposition from Tapper was presented to jurors on Tuesday. In it, Tapper addressed Nielsen ratings, claiming, “I do not pay attention to the Nielsen ratings.”
However, this statement has drawn significant skepticism online. Critics have pointed out that Tapper has previously referenced ratings on social media, including posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Observers are now questioning whether Tapper’s comments during his deposition contradict his past statements.
Some have raised concerns about potential perjury, as lying under oath is a federal crime. The Department of Justice defines perjury as making a willfully false statement under oath regarding a material fact.
Ratings go up and ratings go down, but UNITED STATES OF SCANDAL had the highest ratings in the key demo in cable news on Sunday … and was the most watched show on CNN!
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 7, 2024
Thank you so much for watching!
USOS will be back on air a week from Sunday, on March 17! https://t.co/k8jp2tcGrB
Thanks for watching!
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 29, 2024
“CNN Sees Gain From 'United States Of Scandal’”…CNN “did see promise with the debut during the month of its Sunday evening limited series United States of Scandal …The third episode of the show topped the demo in its Sunday slot…” https://t.co/JlRRceeBGp
Ratings go up and ratings go down, but we are honored that you are choosing to watch our show. Thank you! https://t.co/MUE4GAxyeY
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 27, 2021
As the trial continues, Tapper’s remarks and the potential fallout could escalate CNN’s already precarious situation. If the court finds Tapper’s statement to be knowingly false, it could deepen the network’s legal troubles and raise questions about its credibility.