A contentious exchange on CNN’s “Newsnight with Abby Phillip” has resulted in a public apology after a young political commentator made unfounded allegations against President Donald Trump.
The incident occurred Monday evening when 25-year-old leftist activist Cameron Kasky appeared alongside conservative panelist Scott Jennings on the network’s late-night program, hosted by John Berman.
During a discussion about Trump’s interest in Greenland and the Nobel Peace Prize, Kasky made an explosive claim.
He stated that he would appreciate more transparency from Trump “about the human sex trafficking network that he was a part of.”
The remark immediately drew attention from Jennings, who refused to let the accusation pass without challenge.
Rather than answering Berman’s follow-up question about Greenland, Jennings redirected the conversation.
Jennings questioned whether Berman would allow the statement to stand unchallenged.
He asked if CNN would permit claims that the president participated in a global sex trafficking ring.
Berman assured Jennings that fact-checking would be conducted and asked Kasky to repeat his allegation.
The activist responded that Trump was “probably” heavily involved with such activities, though he appeared less certain than his initial statement suggested.
The host immediately corrected the record. Berman stated that Donald Trump has never faced criminal charges related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Kasky attempted to continue his argument, beginning to say they should “be adults here,” but Berman dismissed the comment.
The segment concluded without further discussion of the unfounded allegation.
Following the broadcast, Kasky evidently received guidance regarding the legal implications of his statements.
He posted a retraction on social media platform X, describing his remarks as an “accident.”
In his post, Kasky wrote that he wanted to retract his comments from the CNN appearance and offer a sincere apology.
He acknowledged that Trump was not involved with an international child sex trafficking operation.
The activist claimed he made the statement accidentally and did not intend to make such an accusation.
His reversal came after footage of the exchange spread widely on social media.
WATCH:
The baseless allegation appeared 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 could suggest that Kasky may have received legal counsel about potential defamation liability. Especially considering making false statements about public figures on national television carries significant legal risks.
In fact, Jennings’ intervention during the broadcast may have protected both Kasky and CNN from further legal exposure.
Last month, Salem Radio Network announced a major programming shift that reshuffles its weekday talk radio lineup, with Jennings stepping into expanded airtime previously occupied by Charlie Kirk’s program.
The network revealed at the time that Jennings will take over a two-hour block from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays starting Jan. 5.
In October, reports surfaced stating CBS News was making aggressive moves to reshape its lineup, with Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss reportedly setting her sights on Jennings.
