Abby Phillip isn’t one to let patronizing remarks go unchecked on her show.
During Wednesday’s episode of CNN NewsNight, tensions flared as the panel discussed the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use involving former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz. Gaetz had been President-elect Donald Trump’s initial pick for attorney general but withdrew his name from consideration on Thursday.
In a brief clip that has garnered attention on X, formerly known as Twitter, Phillip’s panel debated whether the House Ethics Committee should make its findings public.
“The bottom line is the DOJ said there’s nothing there,” said Bruce LeVell, the former executive director of the National Diversity Coalition for Trump.
“No, they didn’t,” Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist, responded. “They said they didn’t have enough to indict — that shouldn’t be the standard.”
“No, to charge, dear,” LeVell replied.
After being called “dear,” Roginsky appeared frustrated.
“Dear? Excuse me?” she said, which elicited nervous laughter out of LeVell.
Phillip then interjected.
“Hold on, I’m going to stop it right here,” Phillip said. “Because we’re not going to get off on a wrong foot. Please do not address a grown woman as ‘dear’ in a condescending tone. Do not do that at my table.”
“OK,” LeVell responded.
On Thursday, Gaetz spoke about why he withdrew from the nomination.
“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in a statement published to X.
Matt Gaetz faced investigations into allegations that he had sexual relations with an unnamed 17-year-old girl, paid for her to travel across state lines, and obstructed justice to hide the relationship. These claims prompted two separate probes—one by the Justice Department (DOJ) and another by the House Ethics Committee. Last year, the DOJ informed Gaetz that he would not face charges in connection to its yearslong investigation.
Gaetz resigned from Congress last week shortly after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general, effectively halting the House Ethics Committee’s investigation. Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Before his withdrawal from consideration, senators from both parties called for the House Ethics Committee to release details of its findings, citing the importance of transparency given Gaetz’s nomination. However, as of Wednesday, the committee remained deadlocked on whether to make its investigation public.
