Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) echoed a debunked Republican claim during Monday’s CNN NewsNight, only to be swiftly corrected by host Abby Phillip.
Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” falsely claiming it had uncovered a $50 million government expenditure on condoms for people in Gaza. On Monday, former President Donald Trump repeated the misinformation, inflating the fabricated cost to $100 million.
Meanwhile, Musk has caused disruption at multiple federal agencies, acting as an unofficial enforcer blocking congressionally approved funds while clashing with civil servants. More concerningly, Musk and a small circle of associates have reportedly gained access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment systems—along with sensitive personal data of millions of Americans. The group has also installed a server at the Office of Personnel Management, a move that may violate federal law.
During her CNN NewsNight appearance, Malliotakis defended Musk’s actions but reiterated the false condom expenditure claim—leading to a pointed exchange with Phillip.
In December, Shine MY Crown reported that Abby Phillip isn’t one to let patronizing remarks go unchecked on her show.
During an 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.
