CNN anchor Jim Sciutto has recently come under fire after a new report on the Chinese spy balloon made him the subject of ridicule following one of his past predictions. The embarrassment was so pronounced that some have even gone so far as to compare the aging of his tweet to that of cheese.
CNN anchor Jim Sciutto was forced to update a tweet “that aged like cheese” in February that claimed US officials prevented the infamous Chinese spy balloon from gathering intelligence.
Sciutto, a former Obama administration official now working as CNN’s chief national security correspondent, reported on Feb. 4 that the Biden administration “blocked the balloon from gathering intelligence.” However, this turned out to be incorrect.
At the time, he tweeted: “Notable: US officials say they were able to block the balloon from gathering intel during its overflight of the US, while the US military was able to turn the tables, so to speak, to gather intel on the balloon itself and its equipment.”
Yet NBC News reported on Monday that despite efforts from the Biden administration to prevent it, the balloon was able to gather intelligence from numerous sensitive American military sites.
In response to critics unearthing his original tweet, CNN’s anchor provided an update on Monday.
He tweeted Monday: “Update: The US now believes the Chinese balloon was able to gather some intelligence during its transit.”
After sending the tweet, Sciutto was labeled a “Biden shill,” and the latest developments have only exacerbated the criticism.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s national security advisor Omri Ceren tweeted, “Periodic reminder that being a Dem comms staffer is stone cold the easiest job in the world. Have you just allowed a Chinese spy balloon to fly over the entire US collecting intel? Just get journos to say you uhhh ‘turned the tables.’ You’ll be out of the news cycle in no time.”
Another tweeted: “Notable: This did not age well. Some of us were not fooled.”
And another added: “Journalism is dead. @jimsciutto showing zero journalistic curiosity as he lies for the establishment.”
This latest incident involving Jim Sciutto serves as a cautionary tale for all news anchors in the era of heightened global tensions. As China continues to become more and more of a threat, reporters and commentators everywhere must be cautious not to make the same mistakes as Mr. Sciutto. Whether it’s the use of outdated information or the failure to keep up with the latest intelligence, there is no room for error in the face of such a serious adversary. It is our collective responsibility to remain vigilant and informed, so as to avoid the sort of humiliation suffered by Jim Sciutto.
