Anderson Cooper opens up about being 'second‑guessed' by CBS’ Bari Weiss before leaving CNN

Veteran journalist Anderson Cooper says he grew frustrated with Bari Weiss after she joined CBS News as a contributor and publicly questioned his role and decisions while he was still at CNN. In a candid interview, Cooper said he “didn’t appreciate being second‑guessed” by Weiss, suggesting that her commentary on his reporting and leadership at CNN was unwelcome during a period of transition.

Cooper, who announced in late 2025 that he would be stepping back from his long‑running anchor role at CNN to pursue new projects, said the speculation and critique from outside commentators only added pressure during an already emotional career decision. He described the experience as frustrating and said he believed it contributed to a narrative that misunderstood his intentions and legacy at the network.

Although Weiss had been hired by CBS News, a rival network, and was offering media analysis on cable news platforms, Cooper’s comments reflect wider tensions among journalists in an era of fierce competition and public scrutiny. “It’s one thing to offer commentary,” Cooper explained, “but it’s another to weigh in on someone else’s work when you’re not in the room.”

The remarks also shed light on Cooper’s mindset as he prepared to exit the network where he spent more than three decades. Known for his calm demeanor and decades of frontline reporting, Cooper said he wanted his departure to be seen as a natural evolution of his career rather than a response to outside criticism.

Cooper’s statement adds to a broader conversation about media criticism and the role of commentators who straddle news analysis and opinion, particularly when their commentary involves peers at other outlets.

As both Cooper and Weiss continue their respective media careers in new directions, the exchange underscores how public discourse among journalists can shape perceptions of networks, personalities and the news ecosystem itself, long after the stories they cover have faded from the headlines.