CNN commentator Scott Jennings triggered host Abby Phillip after confidently asserting that President Donald Trump should disobey a court order.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell ordered the Trump administration to “immediately” unfreeze any federal funding while he decides whether he will permanently block the pause amid ongoing litigation. He specifically mentioned funds that were appropriated under former President Joe Biden for the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which are used to fund institutions such as the NIH, as well as other agencies.
“The broad categorical and sweeping freeze of federal funds is, as the Court found, likely unconstitutional and has caused and continues to cause irreparable harm to a vast portion of this country,” Judge McConnell wrote.
This comes after a memo from the Office of Management and Budget last month directed federal agencies to hold off on disbursing federal grant money until the administration can decide whether the money complies with Trump’s agenda.
On Monday Jennings caused quite a stir during CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip when he said that Trump should blatantly defy the judge’s order because federal judges should not be able to “usurp the authority of the chief executive of this country.”
If there’s a “constitutional crisis” it’s caused by activist federal district judges with narrow jurisdictions usurping the powers of the presidency. @GovChrisSununu and I take on the left last night on @cnn. It’s just more lawfare against Trump. pic.twitter.com/yvZPXyXaGK
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) February 11, 2025
“If a district court judge tries to usurp the authority of the chief executive of this country, he should absolutely defy it,” Jennings reasoned.
“When the court says Congress appropriated this money, you must unfreeze it while we litigate this, why can’t Trump comply with that?” Phillip asked.
Following some crosstalk, Phillip eventually offered to “explain it a little bit more slowly” for Jennings, becoming obviously frustrated.
“You don’t have to talk to me like that, I have a position on this and you have an opinion, we can disagree,” the commentator pointed out.
“Yeah, but I’m saying listen to me because you’re not listening, and you’re making claims that are not connected to the facts. The judge is saying-” she began to say.
“Maybe you are,” Jennings snarked in return.
“Congress appropriated a certain amount of money. We need to litigate this. While we litigate this, we’re going to put a hold on the actions that you took that might be unconstitutional,” the host explained.
“So while we litigate this, I’m a judge, and I’m in charge of the executive branch, and you’re not? Forget it. I totally disagree,” Jennings said.
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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