A recent episode of CNN's "Newsnight with Abby Phillip" became the center of controversy following a contentious exchange that led to a public apology from 25-year-old political commentator Cameron Kasky. The incident, which took place on Monday evening, saw Kasky alongside conservative panelist Scott Jennings, make an explosive and unfounded allegation against former President Donald Trump.
During the discussion, which touched upon Trump's interest in Greenland and the Nobel Peace Prize, Kasky stated he would appreciate more transparency from Trump "about the human sex trafficking network that he was a part of." This remark drew immediate attention from Jennings, who challenged the accusation, prompting host John Berman to intervene and assure Jennings that fact-checking would be conducted. Kasky, when pressed, appeared less certain, stating Trump was "probably" involved, a claim that Berman quickly corrected by noting Trump has never faced criminal charges related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The segment concluded abruptly, but the fallout was swift. Kasky took to social media platform X to retract his comments, acknowledging that Trump was not involved with an international child sex trafficking operation and claiming his earlier statement was accidental. The retraction came as footage of the exchange went viral on social media, with users reacting to the heated moment.
The baseless allegation seemed to reference Trump's past social connection to Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. However, no evidence supports any involvement by Trump in criminal activities related to Epstein. The swift retraction suggests that Kasky may have received legal counsel about potential defamation liability, especially considering the legal risks of making false statements about public figures on national television.
Jennings' timely intervention may have mitigated potential legal repercussions for both Kasky and CNN. The incident also coincides with Jennings' rise in media prominence, as Salem Radio Network announced a major programming shift that will see Jennings take over a two-hour block previously occupied by Charlie Kirk. Additionally, reports indicate CBS News' Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has shown interest in Jennings, signaling a potential reshaping of its lineup.
