Trump fact-checked after tweeting conspiracy that CNN set-up town hall questions

After a student claimed that CNN attempted to provide him with pre-written questions prior to their recent town hall event on gun control, the network was quick to clarify and debunk the conspiracy. Despite this, Fox News and Donald Trump were quick to use it against the rival network.

Trump and CNN

After the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida last week, the nation has been focused on what to do to prevent yet another senseless event.

As expected, the aftermath has become predictably political, with liberals calling for increased gun control, while conservatives have made sure to defend their right to bare arms. Some on the right have even gone so far as to target the students who have come out in protest, with those on the far right mocking those who survived the shooting due to their aggressive stance in calling for gun reform.

At CNN's town hall event on the issue on Wednesday night, student Colton Haab accused the network of providing him scripted questions, which quickly sparked conspiracies among conservatives. "There is absolutely no truth to this," a CNN statement read.

In response, Fox News host Tucker Carlson ran a segment bashing CNN over the allegations, which was highlighted during a tweet by Donald Trump. "'School shooting survivor says he quit @CNN Town Hall after refusing scripted question,' Tucker Carlson. Just like so much of CNN, Fake News. That’s why their ratings are so bad! MSNBC may be worse," Trump tweeted.

Trump debunked

After Donald Trump's tweet attacking CNN and MSNBC, the president was given a reality check by his critics. "Before you tweet stuff like this maybe you should do some research Mr Trump. The right wing media took what this kid said out of context. CNN gave a perfectly fine explanation," a Twitter user wrote.

"OH MY GOD. How far down underground have you got that bar now?!?!" a tweet wondered.

"You’ve reduced the murder of 17 Americans to a petty argument about cable TV ratings. You’re a disgrace," a tweet stated. "Donny,once again it seems I must remind you that you,are President of the United States. It's not appropriate for you to be tweeting inflammatory and childish tweets like this," yet another tweet noted.

"And here you are driving up conspiracy theories. Unbelievably sad," a follow-up tweet noted. "You are the king of spreading false information and bad real estate deals. These kids spoke their mind. Get out," a social media user wrote.