CNN's Scott Jennings slammed after Trump 'stupidest person' blunder

 

CNN commentator Scott Jennings came under intense scrutiny after making an ironic comment that unintentionally criticized Donald Trump during a December 26 segment on NewsNight.

While discussing Trump’s controversial decision to rename the Kennedy Center as the Trump-Kennedy Center, host Abby Phillip challenged Jennings about the precedent this move sets. She asked, “What happens when the next Democratic president decides, ‘We’re going to call it the Obama-Lincoln Memorial? Just slap Bill Clinton’s name on something arbitrarily.’ Would that be acceptable?”

Trying to defend Trump, Jennings replied, “So you’re saying a Democrat would put Obama’s name on a statue that isn’t of him? That would make them look like the stupidest person that ever lived.”

The remark immediately drew attention because it inadvertently applied the same criticism to Trump’s Kennedy Center renaming. Phillip quickly highlighted the contradiction, pointing out that the Kennedy Center is indeed a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, just as the Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln. Jennings attempted to dodge, claiming, “It’s not a statue,” but Phillip’s rebuttal left him exposed.

Realizing his misstep, Jennings then backtracked, humorously saying, “I’m ready for Democrats to misname every statue in America. I think, to prove your point, I think that would be great for their party. Change all the names on the statues.”

Social media users were quick to react, with many mocking Jennings’ attempt at sarcasm. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “He tried sarcasm – and walked straight into a civics lesson. Loud confidence, zero homework. The Kennedy Center is literally a memorial named by Congress.” Another praised Phillip’s handling of the segment, noting, “Sharp facts always hit harder than loud opinions.”

The incident highlights the risks commentators face when trying to defend controversial presidential decisions while navigating live debates. For Jennings, the comment became a viral moment, sparking widespread discussion about Trump’s self-branding and the limits of political spin.