Jake Tapper angered CNN coworkers after ‘testing positive for COVID this week’ and ‘sticking around’

Multiple staffers are unhappy with CNN host Jake Tapper for staying in studio to tape his weekday show after testing positive for Covid-19. 

Tapper, 53, got his positive test at the network’s Washington bureau on Monday just ahead of his usual show at 4 p.m.

At least two staffers told The Daily Beast he angered colleagues by not going home immediately.   

‘This happened in the same week that the country was mourning the millionth death due to COVID, which Jake covered on his show,’ one staffer said.

Tapper was replaced by Dana Bash on his show on Tuesday, but returned from what appeared to be a home studio on Wednesday. 

This is a developing story. 

Multiple staffers are unhappy with CNN host Jake Tapper for staying in studio to tape his weekday show after testing positive for Covid-19

Tapper, 53, got his positive test at the network’s Washington bureau on Monday just ahead of his usual show at 4 p.m.

At least two staffers told The Daily Beast he angered colleagues by not going home immediately

The Daily Beast is accusing Tapper of having CNN PR ‘working overtime’ in order to cover for him.

CNN, in a statement, claim that Tapper followed protocol. 

‘Testing is voluntary to enter our offices. It is mandatory to enter the studios. He tested shortly before his show,’ a network spokesperson said. ‘When he was notified of the positive result, he asked CNN execs what to do and then followed it to the letter—he double-masked and isolated, did the show solo in a flash studio (single-person enclosed room) and went home immediately after.’ 

‘Everyone on The Lead team was notified during their pre-show call that day,’ the spokesperson added. ‘Jake had only been in direct contact with a few others, who were also notified.’

Tapper, who has been at CNN since 2012, was one of many candidates vying for the position following Cuomo’s departure as the network scrambles to find his replacement.

Tapper, who has been at CNN since 2012, was one of many candidates vying for the position following Cuomo’s departure as the network scrambles to find his replacement

CNN has yet to officially replace Cuomo in his weeknights at 9 p.m. timeslot

The network fired Cuomo, 51, for defending his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, against multiple sexual harassment charges. Chris Cuomo has since claimed CNN president Jeff Zucker knew about the arrangement and is preparing to sue the network for the $18 million left on his contract.

An insider source revealed this week that the position will most likely go to Tapper.   

‘It’s Jake — by a long stretch,’ the source told Radar. ‘Jake star has been on the rise for a long time.

‘He is the logical choice, but if he takes over, it will have a cascading effect because Jake’s unlikely to be able to continue State of the Union and remain lead DC anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent. In short, this really has screwed with CNN’s programming line-up.

‘The only saving grace is that it is the end of the year and network bosses can position 2022 as a revamped line-up.’

CNN has yet to officially replace Cuomo in his timeslot.