During a recent episode of NewsNight on CNN, host Abby Phillip addressed a heated exchange between former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross and panelist Kevin O’Leary. The contentious discussion revolved around new Department of Homeland Security hires, with Cross alleging that the department uses “coded” language to recruit white nationalists, citing a CNN report from January 15. She supported her claim by pointing out instances where ICE agents allegedly bore white supremacist tattoos. O’Leary, on the other hand, dismissed these assertions, defending the federal employees as individuals risking their lives for their duties.

O’Leary, known for his support of Trump’s economic policies, was taken aback when Cross retorted with a sharp comment regarding his political affiliations, labeling him part of a “cult.” Throughout the exchange, Phillip attempted to mediate and steer the conversation back on track but faced challenges in doing so. Despite her efforts, Cross continued to express her viewpoint, criticizing O’Leary’s perspectives.

Surprised by the personal nature of Cross’s remarks, O’Leary reacted vocally, prompting Phillip to regain control of the situation by redirecting the discussion to another panelist, Jim Schulz. Schulz, a legal expert, commented on the broadness of the generalizations being made. Phillip concluded the segment by urging participants to avoid personal insults. The debate came to a close, but not before Cross made another comment regarding the political inclinations of a suspect in a separate incident, drawing reactions from CNN legal analyst Elie Honig.

‘That’s just not true! Charlie Kirk? That’s not a right-wing person!’ Honig reacted. The political beliefs of the suspect, 22-year-old Utah native Tyler Robinson, became a flashpoint following the September assassination because of Kirk’s conservative beliefs. In a text message to his transgender partner shortly after the murder, Robinson allegedly said of Kirk: ‘I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.’

In another, he discussed how his father ‘has been pretty die-hard MAGA’ since Trump had been re-elected, according to evidence released by prosecutors shortly after Robinson was arrested after being turned in by his conservative father. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has claimed the suspect’s ideology, ‘was very different than his family’ and that his motivation was rooted in radicalization. MSNBC cut ties with Crossin November 2022, after less than two years. During the stint, Cross regularly criticized conservatives. Prior to joining MSNBC, Cross was the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for BET and worked as an associate producer for CNN.