Key Highlights
- MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell criticized CNN for employing “deranged” and “rabid, lying Trump supporter” Scott Jennings.
- O’Donnell accused CNN of compromising under CEO Mark Thompson, who he believes pays Jennings to support Donald Trump on air.
- The controversy arises amid potential mergers involving CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, and other media giants.
- Political analyst O’Donnell also highlighted the recent departure of CNN anchor Jim Acosta as part of the network’s conservative shift under Thompson.
The Clash Between MSNBC and CNN
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell recently went on a tirade against his rival cable news network, CNN. On October 28, 2025, during the primetime broadcast of his show Last Word, O’Donnell lambasted CNN for its employment practices and political leanings.
“CNN is absurdly deranged,” O’Donnell declared. “They are employing a ‘rabid, lying Trump supporter’ named Scott Jennings.” This criticism came to the fore as CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, faces a potential takeover by Paramount, led by Larry Ellison, who has strong backing from ultra-wealthy and Trump-supporting shareholders.
The Shift in CNN
O’Donnell argued that the conservative shift at CNN was evident under CEO Mark Thompson’s leadership. He pointed out the recent departure of anchor Jim Acosta, who O’Donnell believes symbolizes a more cautious and pro-Trump stance within the network.
The host further accused CNN of compromising its integrity by regularly featuring individuals like Scott Jennings, who he described as a “Trump supporter.” O’Donnell noted that Jennings had previously been an aide to Senator Mitch McConnell but had since become a staunch defender of Trump on air. According to O’Donnell, Jennings “figured out where the money is” and decided to align himself with CNN.
Corporate Takeovers and Political Influence
The discussion extended beyond just CNN; O’Donnell also delved into broader corporate takeovers in media. He criticized the growing trend of media moguls looking to grow richer through massive mergers, suggesting that companies like CNN are now more focused on financial gains rather than traditional journalism.
“They might all be doing this because they fear Donald Trump’s interference with the next merger they want to engage in,” O’Donnell stated. “But it wasn’t always that way. Republican administrations used to allow just about any corporate merger, but now we’re seeing a shift where companies are afraid of taking on the president.”
Expert Analysis and Future Implications
While CNN maintains its stance that Scott Jennings is an integral part of their programming, O’Donnell’s criticism reflects ongoing tensions in the cable news industry. The debate over media bias and corporate influence has been a recurring theme as media conglomerates navigate political landscapes.
“Good television? Here’s how bad that television is that they make over there,” O’Donnell concluded. “The show that Scott Jennings frequents the most is on opposite this program, and it gets half of the audience of this show.”
The situation highlights the complex interplay between media ownership, political affiliations, and journalistic integrity in the ever-evolving media landscape. As corporate takeovers continue to shape the news industry, these debates are likely to persist.
