CNN Host Shuts Down MAGA Guest After On-Air Outburst

Abby Phillip became exasperated with a wisecracking guest on her show NewsNight.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During a heated panel discussion on CNN's NewsNight with Abby Phillip, the host had to repeatedly intervene when frequent guest and Trump supporter Kevin O'Leary began making disruptive comments. After O'Leary dismissed the other panelists as "nuts" and continued arguing, Phillip firmly told him to stop talking, cutting him off before throwing to a commercial break.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and clashes between pro-Trump commentators and their critics on cable news, as well as the challenges hosts face in moderating heated political debates on their shows. O'Leary's history of controversial statements and confrontations with other guests also speaks to the divisive nature of political discourse in the Trump era.

The details

During the panel discussion on Tuesday's episode, the conversation grew heated as the guests debated the tactics of ICE in Minneapolis. When Phillip asked O'Leary for a final thought before ending the segment, he dismissively said "You're all nuts." Phillip immediately pushed back, telling O'Leary there was a proper way to discuss these issues and that she wouldn't call on him next time if he didn't have anything constructive to say. As O'Leary continued arguing with fellow panelist Ana Navarro, Phillip had to firmly interrupt him, saying "Excuse me, excuse me... stop, Kevin, stop" until he finally quieted down.

  • The incident occurred during the Tuesday, February 18, 2026 episode of CNN's NewsNight with Abby Phillip.

The players

Abby Phillip

The host of CNN's NewsNight program, who had to repeatedly intervene to rein in her combative guest Kevin O'Leary.

Kevin O'Leary

A Canadian businessman and frequent guest on NewsNight who is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, known for making controversial statements and confrontations with other panelists.

Ana Navarro

A CNN political commentator who was also a panelist on the NewsNight episode and was arguing with O'Leary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We gotta keep it together here. There's a way to talk about these things. If you don't have anything to say, just say that and I won't come to you next time.”

— Abby Phillip, Host, NewsNight (CNN)

“Excuse me, excuse me... stop, Kevin, stop.”

— Abby Phillip, Host, NewsNight (CNN)

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges news hosts face in moderating heated political debates, as well as the ongoing tensions between pro-Trump commentators and their critics on cable news. It highlights the divisive nature of political discourse in the Trump era and the need for more constructive dialogue.