President Donald Trump honored the death of media mogul Ted Turner on Wednesday, while simultaneously criticizing the current state of CNN [1], [2].

The statement highlights the complex relationship between the former president and the media landscape, blending personal tribute with political attacks on the network's editorial direction.

Trump posted his tribute on Truth Social from Washington, D.C. [2]. He described Turner, who died at age 87 [1], as "One of the Greats of All Time" [2].

Despite the praise for Turner, Trump used the occasion to target the current management of CNN. He said that the network has been ruined by its new owners, who have shifted the organization toward a "woke" direction [3].

"He destroyed his baby," Trump said [1].

Turner's legacy as a broadcast pioneer is marked by his role in founding the 24-hour news cycle. Trump said that CNN is now "woke" and has ruined the network Turner built [3].

Turner is survived by five children [4], 14 grandchildren [4], and two great-grandchildren [4].

The tribute was posted on May 6 [2], shortly after news of Turner's death became public.

“"One of the Greats of All Time."”

This statement reflects Trump's ongoing strategy of framing established media institutions as ideologically compromised. By praising Turner personally while attacking the network Turner founded, Trump attempts to decouple the prestige of the founder from the current operational identity of the news organization.