CNN has confirmed the departure of Kayla Tausche, the network's senior White House correspondent, who has been with the organization for two years following a notable transition from CNBC. Tausche's move to CNN in 2023 was met with significant attention due to her in-depth experience in covering critical economic, foreign policy, and national political issues.
During her tenure at CNBC, Tausche established herself as a respected journalist, having covered the White House under both the Trump and early Biden administrations. Her work included co-anchoring the network's coverage of the 2020 presidential election and the inauguration in January 2021. Starting her career at CNBC in 2011, Tausche also hosted the “Squawk Alley” program, focusing on technology and business news, between 2014 and 2017.
CNN previously lauded Tausche's hiring as a move that would bolster its political and policy coverage, particularly in anticipation of the 2024 presidential election. The network highlighted her expertise in economic and global policy issues as a valuable addition to its Washington bureau during the crucial election cycle.
The departure of Tausche comes at a time when CNN is experiencing broader staffing changes and a viewership challenge. Kaitlan Collins, another prominent figure at the network, was named Chief White House Correspondent earlier this year and has also taken on an anchor role in the evening broadcasts.
CNN's viewership struggles were apparent in the Nielsen ratings for April 2025, as the network did not have any programs in the top 25 most-watched weekday cable news broadcasts. In contrast, Fox News dominated the rankings, securing 13 of the top 14 slots.
The exit of Tausche aligns with strategic shifts by CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, which is reportedly considering the separation of its cable television assets to address financial concerns linked to declining cable subscriptions and the transformation of viewer habits towards streaming platforms. A similar strategy is being implemented by Comcast with MSNBC, bundling it with other cable networks as part of a newly formed entity, hinting at possible future sales.
As the media industry continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of news consumption, the departure of high-profile correspondents like Tausche signifies a period of significant transition for legacy cable news networks, which are attempting to navigate the delicate balance between traditional broadcasting and the rise of digital media.