Jeff Zucker, who helped propel Trump to power, resigns from CNN

Jeff Zucker, the United States television executive whose programming decisions helped cement Donald Trump’s status as a pop culture icon and propel him to the White House, is resigning as president of CNN Worldwide over an office relationship.

In a memo to staff on Wednesday, Zucker said his departure was the result of his failure to disclose what he described as a “consensual relationship with my closest colleague” that came to light during an investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.

“I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong. As a result, I am resigning today.”

CNN anchor Brian Stelter reported that the subordinate with whom Zucker had the relationship is Allison Gollust, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of CNN Worldwide.

In a statement read aloud on CNN by Stelter, Gollust was quoted as saying: “Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years. Recently our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time.”