NEW YORK — CNN’s president on Wednesday denounced the White House for its “total and complete lack of understanding” of the consequences of attacks against the media after the cable news network’s New York office and several prominent Democrats were sent pipe bombs.

Feelings were raw over a perceived reluctance by the administration to mention that CNN was sent one of the crude devices, which also went to Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama and others. A fundraising email attacking CNN sent out as the story unfolded deepened that perception. Trump’s campaign later apologized for the email.

“The president, and especially the White House press secretary, should understand their words matter,” said Jeff Zucker, president of CNN Worldwide. “Thus far, they have shown no comprehension of that.”

There was no immediate response from the White House.

CNN has been a frequent target of Trump’s “fake news” barbs, and a “CNN sucks” chant broke out at a Monday campaign rally. Amid that backdrop, some at CNN were angered by an initial tweet by White House press secretary Sarah Sanders that condemned “the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton and other public officials,” but omitted any reference to CNN. An hour later she sent another tweet that said the White House’s condemnation “certainly includes threats made to CNN as well as current and former public servants.”

The president, who has labeled reporters “enemy of the people,” condemned the threat of political violence at a campaign rally in Wisconsin on Wednesday evening, and called on the media to end its “hostility.”

“The media also has a responsibly to set a civil tone and to stop the endless hostility and constant negative and oftentimes false attacks and stories,” Trump said.

The CNN attack was in one respect a case of mistaken identity. The package that included the explosive device and an envelope containing white powder was addressed to former CIA director John Brennan, a frequent Trump critic. Brennan is actually a contracted analyst at NBC News, but the package was sent to the Time Warner Center in New York, where CNN’s offices are.