February 04, 2019
CNN/for PhillyVoice
Former Mayor Michael Nutter appeared on CNN on Tuesday afternoon to defend the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to opt out of a White House visit.
Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will no longer challenge President Donald Trump from the national platform of CNN.
Three years ago, after completing his final term as mayor in Philly, Nutter accepted a gig as a regular contributor on the network.
Nutter was a vocal opponent of Trump's 2016 candidacy, calling him "ignorant" for his interactions with black supporters and chastising him regularly for his inflammatory remarks. Nutter was regarded as a potential cabinet pick for Hillary Clinton at the time.
After the election, amid signs of early turmoil at the White House, Nutter used the slang term "FUBAR" to describe the Trump administration. He also called the president "sick and sad" for his controversial phone call to a Gold Star widow whose husband died during a reconnaissance mission in Nigeria.
A CNN source told The Hill that Nutter's departure is just part of the "natural churn of contributors" on the network. Pro-Trump contributors Andre Bauer and former Georgia U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston also did not have their contracts renewed.
Former Pennsylvania politicians Rick Santorum, a conservative Republican who served as U.S. senator until 2007, and Charlie Dent, a moderate Republican who regularly challenges Trump, remain as contributors on CNN.
Nutter has served in numerous advisory roles in the public and educational spheres since leaving office, including a professorship at Columbia University and most recently a place on the board of directors for the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
