Right-leaning CNN pundit Scott Jennings blasted a former Biden administration official as “condescending” — putting her on the defensive about vandalism and arson being committed against Tesla dealerships and cars.
The heated exchange erupted on CNN “NewsNight” on Tuesday as Jennings clashed with veteran Democratic Party operative Neera Tanden over whether those targeting Tesla cars and dealerships should be labeled “domestic terrorists.”
Jennings, who is reported to have recently signed a lucrative contract extension with CNN, expressed firm support for that characterization, emphasizing the orchestrated nature of the attacks that are believed to be motivated by opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration.
“The other night, [President] Donald Trump said these are domestic terrorists,” Jennings said.
“I mean, it’s obviously an organized, coordinated effort — however people are communicating with each other — to do this to people around the country who chose to buy a Tesla at some point in the past, many of whom I’m sure were Democrats who bought them in the first place.”
Jennings said the attacks on Tesla dealerships are taking place “because their entire political worldview is ruled by their emotions.”
“And that’s the American left right now. It is one angry mob after another willing to take things into their own hands, up to and including keying, firebombing, and otherwise vandalizing cars and car dealerships and charging stations.”
His remarks drew a sharp response from Tanden, who pivoted the discussion to the 2021 Capitol riot.
“So, when they do it to a Tesla dealership, it’s really bad,” she retorted. “But when they do it to the halls of Congress, we should pardon them? Is that your position?”
Jennings immediately pushed back. “No. I’ve never—” he began, before being interrupted by cross-talk.
Frustrated, he attempted to clarify his stance.
“I know you haven’t been around for a while, so let me educate you about my position on January 6th.”
Tanden, dripping with sarcasm, responded, “I’m so sorry.”
Jennings, visibly agitated, doubled down.
“Let me educate. Let me educate you,” he said.
As the debate escalated, moderator John Berman stepped in to regain control.
“Guys, let’s do this. January 6th. And then Neera.”
Tanden then told Scott: “I’m sorry you’re getting emotional.”
Jennings fired back.
“Yeah, I’m sorry you’re a condescending person who hasn’t been paying attention to what I do,” Jennings told Tanden. “So here’s the issue. I didn’t support what happened on January 6th and was one of the first Republicans to call it out.”
Tanden, when reached by The Post, said: “Like I said last night, political violence is always wrong.”
“That’s true when it happens at a Tesla dealership or in the halls of Congress as part of an insurrection,” she said.
“Pardoning insurrectionists is the opposite of promoting law and order and we should call out the hypocrisy of those that criticize some violence but enable pardons of other violence.”
Jennings, a former aide to President George W. Bush and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), added that he didn’t support Trump’s decision to pardon those who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
“I don’t support the pardons. I have repeatedly … said that no violence in our political system is acceptable. But this right here, what’s going on with a guy who helps our country, who runs successful companies, who doesn’t have to be doing this, and now one of his companies is under systematic terroristic threat and violence all over the country,” Jennings said.
“And people seem to be laughing about it or fine with it. It’s outrageous.”
Tanden sought to clarify her position, stating: “Anyone who commits violence against Tesla or Congress or anyone else should be put in jail 1,000%, but that should not stifle dissent or opposition to Elon Musk.”
Meanwhile, columnist Josh Rogin injected a moment of levity, quipping: “From what I understand, the Teslas will fall apart if you just leave them alone anyway. There’s nothing really anybody needs to do about it. Just drive them enough.”
The Post has sought comment from CNN and Jennings.