CNN Host Intervenes as Debate Over DHS Recruitment Turns Personal
In a tense exchange on Tuesday's edition of NewsNight, former MSNBC presenter Tiffany Cross found herself reprimanded by host Abby Phillip following what was described as a "personal attack" on fellow panelist Kevin O'Leary. The politically opposed figures had been engaged in a heated discussion regarding newly enlisted Department of Homeland Security agents and their alleged beliefs.
Allegations of Coded Recruitment Language
The debate was sparked by a January 15 CNN report suggesting the agency might be using coded language to secretly recruit white nationalists. Cross, 46, asserted during nearly three minutes of back-and-forth: "I'm going with my eyes, ears and logic. There have been multiple ICE agents who have white supremacist tattoos."
O'Leary, the 71-year-old Shark Tank star, remained unconvinced, countering: "Men and women working for the federal government. Risking their lives, carrying out a mandate. And they're white supremacists." Cross responded with a curt "yes" before escalating the confrontation.
Host's Repeated Attempts to Maintain Order
Throughout the exchange, Phillip, 37, repeatedly attempted to rein in the discussion with limited success. As crosstalk continued, Cross delivered what she described as a parting shot regarding O'Leary's support for Donald Trump: "And you're a member of a cult. So I won't expect you to analyze that."
O'Leary, who supports Trump's economic policies, appeared visibly taken aback, exclaiming "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Phillip similarly showed surprise before regaining control of the broadcast, stating: "I'm going to let Jim have a word. Go ahead, Jim," as she turned to CNN contributor Jim Schulz.
Moderator's Direct Intervention
Schulz, a Philadelphia-based lawyer, remarked: "I think the generalizations are a bit of an overuse." Phillip, serving as the programme's moderator, added firmly: "Yes. And let's not make personal attacks."
Although the immediate altercation concluded at that point, Cross later prompted another reaction during the same broadcast when discussing the suspected assassin of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. CNN legal analyst Elie Honig responded sharply: "That's just not true! Charlie Kirk? That's not a right-wing person!"
Background to the Broader Discussion
The political beliefs of 22-year-old Utah native Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk's September assassination, became a flashpoint due to Kirk's conservative stance. According to evidence released by prosecutors, Robinson allegedly sent a text message to his transgender partner stating: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
Further messages revealed discussions about his father being "pretty die-hard MAGA" since Trump's re-election. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has claimed the suspect's ideology "was very different than his family" and that his motivation stemmed from radicalization.
Cross's Media Background and Previous Departure
MSNBC severed ties with Cross in November 2022 after less than two years, during which she regularly criticised conservative figures. Prior to her MSNBC role, Cross served as Washington, D.C. bureau chief for BET and worked as an associate producer for CNN, giving her extensive experience across major news networks.
The incident highlights the challenges television moderators face when political debates become personal, particularly when discussing sensitive topics like government recruitment practices and allegations of extremism within public institutions.
