Opinion

Trump Launches Late-Night Attack on CNN — Even as They Credit Him With Dropping Mortgage Rates

Donald Trump lashed out at CNN on Friday night, but also seemed to enjoy the network praising him at the same time.

“Even Fake News CNN is praising the DROP in Mortgage Interest Rates!” he wrote on Truth Social.

The segment Trump posted came from CNN’s News Central, which reported that mortgage rates fell to 6.06%—the lowest level in more than three years.

CNN correspondent Vanessa Yurkevich explained, “Yes, we’re talking about the lowest level in more than three years. The average rate for a mortgage, according to Freddie Mac this week, 6.06 percent. That is down significantly from a year ago when mortgage rates were above 7 percent.”

Yurkevich added that lower rates could help buyers who had been waiting to enter the housing market. “If you’re buying a home, let’s say $450,000, you’re going to do a 30-year fixed mortgage. You’re going to put 20 percent down. Well, a year ago you were going to pay a monthly payment of about $2,400. Now this year, January 2026, you’re looking closer to $2,100, $2,200. That’s a savings of $230 a month.”

Trump highlighted this segment on Truth Social, framing it as a personal win. He ignored the context that housing prices remain high, and experts call the lower rates a temporary fix.

CNN’s segment also credited Trump’s policy: he directed the purchase of $200 billion in mortgage bonds to push rates down. “Some experts saying that is why we’re seeing these lower rates today,” Yurkevich said.

Trump took the praise and turned it into a celebration of himself. On social media, he boasted about CNN’s coverage while continuing to insult the network.

The report also noted rising home prices. Yurkevich explained, “Median existing home sales still rising, $405,400 is the average home price in December. That means 30 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases. Mortgage rates falling, but those housing prices still starting to creep up.”

Trump ignored the nuance. He presented the story as proof that he is solving America’s problems.

CNN correspondent Keilar noted, “Look at this, median existing home sales still rising… So, mortgage rates falling, but those housing prices still starting to creep up a little bit.”

The network explained the policy could encourage more people to buy homes. Yurkevich said, “Sellers willing to sell and buyers willing to get into the market.”

Trump, however, took that information and made it about him. He did not mention the limits or risks. He did not mention the rising prices or the short-term nature of the relief.

Featured image via The Daily Glitch Gallery

Justen Blake

Fast writer. No fluff. Deadlines don’t scare me — they motivate me.