CNN pundit Scott Jennings launched a foul-mouthed tirade at a fellow commentator during a live debate on Iran, telling him to “get your f***ing hand out of my face”. The clash occurred on CNN’s Newsnight with Abby Phillip, as the panel discussed the popularity of the war with Iran.
The debate was sparked by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments that Americans are “grateful” for a president willing to confront Iran. However, a CNN poll from March found nearly six in 10 Americans opposed the war. Tensions escalated when Jennings accused 23-year-old Adam Mockler, a frequent critic of the conflict, of becoming “hyper” after his “bedtime”.
Mockler responded by criticising Jennings, a former George W. Bush staffer, for his support of the 2003 Iraq War. “We all know that Scott Jennings is more than happy to defend a war with a country that starts with letters ‘I-r-a’ that we are currently failing,” Mockler said. “I was only a few years old while you were in the administration defending prior endless wars.”
As the exchange grew heated, Mockler gesticulated while asking Jennings to name a political concession won from Iran. Jennings snapped: “Get your f***ing hand out of my face, first of all.” Host Abby Phillip intervened, saying “Guys, excuse me,” but Jennings continued: “I’m not going to have this guy’s hand in my face.”
Mockler later slammed Jennings on X, accusing him of being a “grown man on the verge of tears because he can’t answer a question”. The outburst went viral, with one user comparing it to a fight on The Real Housewives. California Governor Gavin Newsom also mocked Jennings, sharing an edited image swapping his head with a snowflake.
