Paula Reid: Education and Path to Becoming CNN's Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent
Paula Reid is a prominent American journalist and attorney, currently serving as CNN's chief legal affairs correspondent. Her career trajectory showcases a dedication to legal reporting and a commitment to holding those in power accountable. This article delves into her educational background and professional journey, highlighting key moments and accomplishments that have led to her current role.
Early Life and Education
Paula Reid was born on August 19, 1982, in Akron, Ohio. Her pursuit of higher education led her to the College of William & Mary, where she excelled in her studies. In 2005, Reid graduated with a double major in psychology and English. This interdisciplinary foundation likely contributed to her ability to analyze complex situations and communicate effectively, both crucial skills for a journalist covering legal affairs.
Early Career at CBS News
Reid's career in journalism began in January 2010 when she moved to New York City and secured an internship with CBS News in their Investigative Unit. This initial role provided her with valuable experience in conducting in-depth research and uncovering important stories.
Rise Through the Ranks: Justice Department and White House Correspondent
In 2014, Reid's career took her to Washington, D.C., where she became a reporter covering the Justice Department for CBS News. This beat allowed her to delve into the intricacies of the legal system and develop expertise in covering law enforcement and judicial matters. She led the CBS News coverage of the Special Counsel investigation of Robert Mueller, demonstrating her ability to handle complex and high-profile legal stories.
Reid's responsibilities expanded in 2017 when she began filling in as a reporter at the White House. This opportunity exposed her to the fast-paced environment of presidential politics and allowed her to hone her skills in asking tough questions of those in power.
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Confronting Power: Holding the Trump Administration Accountable
During her time as a White House correspondent, Reid gained recognition for her direct and persistent questioning of President Trump and his administration. One notable instance occurred during a White House press briefing when Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated that Donald Trump could fire Robert Mueller if he wanted to. Reid challenged this assertion, pointing out that it was not legally permitted.
In 2018, Reid pressed Trump on his border policies, demonstrating her commitment to scrutinizing the administration's actions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reid attended the daily Trump press briefings and questioned the administration's response to the crisis. In April 2020, she asked why the Trump Administration had been so slow to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, Reid asked what meaningful preparation Trump had done during the month after bringing in his China travel ban, stating, "But what did you do with that time? You didn’t use it to prepare hospitals, you didn’t use it to ramp up testing."
Her persistent questioning and fact-checking earned her a reputation as a tenacious journalist who held the administration accountable. In April 2019, after two years of covering the beat, Reid was officially named the CBS News White House Correspondent.
Transition to CNN: Chief Legal Affairs Correspondent
In March 2021, Reid announced her departure from CBS News to join CNN as a senior legal affairs correspondent. This move marked a significant step in her career, allowing her to focus her expertise on covering legal matters for a major news network.
In January 2023, Reid's contributions to CNN were recognized with her promotion to chief legal affairs correspondent. This role places her at the forefront of CNN's coverage of legal issues, including federal and state investigations into former President Trump and the Special Counsel probe into President Biden’s handling of classified documents. Reid was part of a team that broke the news that Trump had been captured on audio tape discussing a classified document he kept after leaving the White House.
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Personal Life
Reid is married to Jason Kolsevich. She has two daughters, Jordan, born in June 2022, and Skylar.
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