‘That Is Complete Nonsense!’ CNN’s John Berman and GOP Rep. Tim Burchett Go at It Over Judge’s Pause of Trump Deportations

Tom DuranteMar 18th, 2025, 11:48 am

It was a showdown on CNN Tuesday morning as host John Berman and Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) talked over each other for nearly nine whole minutes in an epic spat over the Trump administration’s use of a 200-year-old law to deport migrants.

The conversation began cordial at first, but quickly devolved as Burchett challenged the ruling of U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg, calling him a “fuzzy at best” Barack Obama appointee who’s overreaching.

BERMAN: Do you have evidence that he was unlawfully confirmed by the Senate?

BURCHETT: No, what I have evidence of is that the people that he deported, that the president deported are criminals. And I don’t I never understand why CNN takes the side of a bunch of murderers that have come into our country illegally. And I realize you all have your — you have to make your stand. But that is complete nonsense. And the American public’s not buying it.
Listen, this is — this is an act of war by these countries. These people have come in and they come across our border illegally. What would happen if 14 million people swarmed the border at one time, yet it was spread out over four years, 14 million people? What do you consider that an unlawful invasion? It’s an act of war. These folks are not playing fair. They’re emptying their criminals on us. And it is an act of war.

The interview became considerably more heated as Burchett accused CNN of siding with the judge, who has been called a “radical left lunatic” by President Trump.

BURCHETT: These guys — listen, these guys — the difference between God and these judges is God knows he’s not one of these judges. They’re arrogant. They practice this type of thing all the time. And when, if you had a conservative one doing it, you all would be raised in total hell.

(CROSSTALK)

BERMAN: Again, Congressman, this isn’t a question — this isn’t a question about the media. This isn’t a question about the media. No one’s taking his side here.
Congressman — Congressman —

BURCHETT: Yes, you are —

BERMAN: — no one’s taking his side here. I’m —

BURCHETT: He is not —

BERMAN: I’m asking you about the Constitution. I’m asking you about the Constitution. As — is asking about the Constitution, taking his side. All I’m asking you is about the Constitution, what you think of it, and what you would advise this White House and your feeling about judicial rulings. And that seems to be upsetting you. I’m just trying to get your position on this and what you would advise the White House going forward.

Burchett then took the CNN criticism a step further when he blasted the network’s ratings.

BURCHETT: Look, I guess what upsets me is that you all at CNN continuously take the side of the far left and that’s why your ratings continue to plummet. And I do not ever understand why you all do that. Every time —

BERMAN: Congressman —

BURCHETT: I know you’ve got to take the opposite side on everything, but you are wrong on this one. Listen, this is a gang that took over an apartment complex in Colorado.

(CROSSTALK)

BERMAN: — we appreciate — we appreciate — we appreciate your concern here. There’s not been a side taken.

BURCHETT: They murder people.

BERMAN: There’s not been a side taken.

BURCHETT: They are criminals.

BERMAN: We’re trying to understand.

(CROSSTALK)

BURCHETT: They are criminals. They are not American citizens.

BERMAN: You can argue.

BURCHETT: — taking their side to CNN.

BERMAN: Congressman, can you — can you, Congressman —

BURCHETT: What is wrong with you all? You are so out of touch with what’s 85% of this country does not support what you are spewing out right now.

BERMAN: We haven’t spewed — the only one spewing is the guy who’s talking uninterrupted right now.

Berman decided he’d had enough as Burchett turned his attention back to the judge:

BURCHETT: Look, you asked me my opinion. I gave it. I think the president is correct. I think Tom Homan is correct. I think America supports this. And we are tired of these activist judges reaching out way over their skis. And that’s what this guy’s done.
Look at the history of this guy. He shows up at court cases. He’s anti-Trump. We know this. Everybody knows this. This is no secret. You know, this is no secret. This is just ridiculous. You all have way overstepped on this one because the American public is not buying it and nobody hears.

BERMAN: Congressman, I will only say — I will only say not once did I overstep in any way by asking you questions about the Constitution. You know that. And you know there was no — there was no —

BURCHETT: And I gave you my opinion and you refused to take it.

BERMAN: I listened to your opinion very much. I was asking for your opinion.

BURCHETT: I gave you my opinion, brother.

BERMAN: OK.

BURCHETT: I gave you my opinion.

BERMAN: All right.

BURCHETT: I gave you my opinion.

BERMAN: I appreciate it.

BURCHETT: And you refused to take it.

BERMAN: I believe for the last several minutes we’ve been taking it.

BURCHETT: But I didn’t support the right to be wrong.

BERMAN: Congressman Tim Burchett — Tim Burchett, I appreciate you coming on and sharing your words extensively.