CNN’s Scott Jennings Goes to the Mat for Musk’s Federal Contracts While Dismissing ‘Conflict’ Concerns

CNN’s Scott Jennings went to the mat for Elon Musk’s numerous federal contracts Tuesday night during a back-and-forth on the network over the billionaire’s role in the Trump White House and potential conflicts of interest.

Jennings said he was on board with Musk’s DOGE work to shrink the size and scope of the federal government. He argued that suggesting Musk stood to benefit from having oversight on agencies he has contracts with equates to a smear.

On Tuesday’s edition of NewsNight with Abby Phillip, Jennings traded barbs with the host and Democratic guest Xochitl Hinojosa.

In defense of Musk and Trump, Jennings said, “They’re trying to do something that nobody ever does, which is reduce the size of the government in terms of expenditure alone.”

Jennings noted House Republicans had just passed a budget along party lines.

“I mean, this is the blueprint that they need to pass to move forward with their reconciliation plans, but they’re trying to do something pretty serious,” he said. “And that’s shrink the size of a government that rarely gets smaller.”

Hinojosa mentioned Musk’s government contracts through Tesla and SpaceX, sparking a debate between him, the former DNC spokeswoman and Phillip.

“I have an idea for them,” Hinojosa said. “Why don’t they cut the $15 billion that Musk has received in federal funding?”

During a heated back-and-forth, Jennings defended much of Musk’s SpaceX work as crucial while Phillip and Hinojosa argued Musk was not in a position to decide who gets paid by the federal government.

“Are you all saying that the government should not be able to contract with private companies for services?” Jennings asked.

After Phillip noted Musk had been involved with cuts at the Federal Aviation Administration – which regulates technology such as Starlink – an argument ensued.

Phillip said, “He’s over at the FAA saying he’s got his hands on everything in the government and his company gets a contract. That’s a clear conflict.”

Jennings replied, “How do you know that?”

After more back-and-forth, Jennings said of suggestions Musk had conflicts of interest, “You just alleged he has a conflict. That is an allegation.”

Watch above via CNN.