A chorus of criticism erupted Sunday evening over a televised phone interview between CNN’s Jake Tapper and President Donald Trump, an interview that some described as “pathetic.”

Calling into CNN’s “State of the Union,” Trump appeared to dictate much of the interview after refusing to answer certain questions, and with little pushback from Tapper.

Tapper also let stand what appeared to be the president's reference to billionaire David Ellison's impending takeover of the network, which analysts suspect may push CNN's coverage in a direction more favorable to the Trump administration.

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Tapper then insisted he was “on a normal path right here, sir,” before thanking the president for “calling in” and telling him “I appreciate your time.”