CNN’s Scott Jennings Takes Victory Lap After Speaker Vote, Trolls Colleagues Who Questioned Trump’s Power Over GOP
SUMMARY
CNN commentator Scott Jennings celebrated Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) decisive first-ballot victory to retain his gavel, framing it as evidence of Donald Trump’s continued influence over the GOP. After anchor Jake Tapper suggested some GOP members were "flexing," Jennings countered, "Yeah, flexing — maybe it was a spasm — I don’t know," before highlighting Trump’s role in Johnson’s success. Jennings critiqued earlier claims by colleagues, including Jim Acosta and Maria Cardona, who questioned Trump’s sway, calling him a "lame duck president." Referring to Trump’s endorsement of Johnson, Jennings stated, "Ultimately, maybe some of my colleagues here today will want to revise and extend their remarks about the relative influence of Donald Trump... The Republican Party is showing it can unify itself in relatively short order for the purpose of helping Donald Trump get started on his agenda." Jennings emphasized the vote as "unequivocally good news" for GOP voters nationwide.
