Scott Jennings and Abby Phillip's Heated Exchange Escalates as Van Lathan Joins the Conversation

A fiery discussion transpired on CNN’s “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” as host Abby Phillip engaged in a contentious debate with senior political commentator Scott Jennings regarding President Donald Trump’s purported exaggeration of unrest in Portland, which justified federal troop deployment. The conversation intensified as Jennings repeatedly interrupted Phillip until guest commentator Van Lathan intervened, altering the dynamic and igniting widespread reactions online.This heated exchange occurred shortly before a federal ruling undermined Jennings’ defense of Trump’s claims. A federal judge ruled that the president’s assertions about escalating unrest were “untethered to facts” and could usher in an “unconstitutional form of military rule,” emphasizing America is governed by constitutional law.Phillip argued that isolated incidents were being overstated and contradicted Jennings’ claims of Portland being ravaged by chaos. The conversation further escalated but was notably intensified by Lathan's insightful commentary, which offered a broader critique of the political narrative around these events. (Credit: CNN Video Screengrab)