A conservative panelist was removed from a CNN show following a fiery exchange with a liberal commentator over Donald Trump’s recent New York City rally, which was compared to a Nazi gathering.
The incident occurred during a discussion on Abby Phillip’s CNN show about inflammatory remarks at Trump’s Madison Square Garden event.
British-Muslim commentator Mehdi Hasan and American-Catholic commentator Ryan Girdusky, founder of the 1776 Project PAC, clashed when Girdusky accused Hasan of facing antisemitic allegations, allegedly due to his critiques of Israeli policy.
Exchange Escalates with Comment on Palestinian Rights
The exchange turned tense as Hasan affirmed his support for Palestinian rights, clarifying he does not endorse Hamas. Girdusky then retorted, “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” referencing Hezbollah—a group often conflated with Hamas but based in Lebanon and designated as a terrorist organization.
This remark sparked outrage, with Hasan asking if Girdusky implied he should be harmed, leading Phillip to admonish Girdusky for crossing a line. Girdusky apologized, claiming he “misheard” and thought Hasan supported Hamas.
Backlash and Apology on Air
Phillip paused the show, later returning to apologize to Hasan and viewers for the exchange. She confirmed Girdusky would no longer appear on CNN, stating, “There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN.” Girdusky reacted angrily on social media, criticizing CNN’s stance, while Hasan retweeted Phillip’s apology without further comment.
Trump Rally Sparks Additional Controversy
Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally stirred controversy as speakers, including comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, used inflammatory language, with remarks on Puerto Rico as “a floating island of garbage” and derogatory comments about Latinos.
Trump supporters cheered his rhetoric, while Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris used recent campaign events to contrast her vision with Trump’s. Harris, who is set to deliver a capstone speech in Washington, has criticized Trump’s divisive language, saying he’s “full of grievance and dark language.”
