On-Air Donald Trump Allegation Forces CNN Panelist to Issue Retraction [WATCH]

A CNN panelist issued a public retraction and apology after making an unsubstantiated claim about Donald Trump during a live television broadcast, prompting immediate pushback from another panelist and a fact-check from the program’s host, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The exchange occurred Monday night on NewsNight with Abby Phillip, during a panel discussion that included political activist Cameron Kasky and CNN contributor Scott Jennings. The discussion was moderated by John Berman.

The panel was initially focused on President Trump’s past comments regarding Greenland and the Nobel Peace Prize when Kasky interjected with a remark referencing Trump’s past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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During the exchange, Kasky stated, “I would love it if he was more transparent about the human sex trafficking network that he was a part of, but you can’t win ’em all.”

Jennings immediately challenged the remark and pressed Berman to address it on air.

“You’re gonna let that sit?” Jennings asked. “Are we going to claim here on CNN that the president is part of a global sex trafficking ring or …?”

Berman responded by asking Kasky to clarify his statement. Kasky then said, “That Donald Trump was … probably … very involved with it.”

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At that point, Berman issued an on-air clarification. “Donald Trump has never been charged with any crimes in relation to Jeffrey Epstein,” he said.

Kasky attempted to respond further, saying, “Yeah, but let’s be adults here …” before Berman moved the discussion forward without engaging that comment.

A smug 25-year-old leftist activist just got HUMBLED live on CNN by Scott Jennings.

Cameron Kasky claimed President Trump was part of a “human sex-trafficking network” — and for a moment, the panel let it slide.

Until @ScottJenningsKY stepped in and FORCED the host John Berman… pic.twitter.com/wRxV2sQ3B5

— Overton (@overton_news) January 20, 2026

The moment quickly circulated on X, drawing attention to the exchange and the on-air correction. Later, Kasky posted a statement on his personal X account retracting his comments and apologizing.

“I would like to retract my comments from CNN last night and truly apologize,” Kasky wrote.

“Donald Trump was obviously not involved with a giant international child sex trafficking ring where women and children were systematically raped by elites. I said that by accident and didn’t mean it.”

I would like to retract my comments from CNN last night and truly apologize.

Donald Trump was obviously not involved with a giant international child sex trafficking ring where women and children were systematically raped by elites.

I said that by accident and didn’t mean it.

— Cameron Kasky (@camkasky) January 20, 2026

CNN has not issued a separate public statement about the exchange, but Berman’s on-air clarification underscored the network’s position that Trump has not been charged in connection with Epstein-related crimes.

The incident highlighted the tension that can arise during live political commentary, particularly when allegations involving public figures are raised without substantiation.

Jennings’ intervention ensured the claim was immediately challenged and addressed on the broadcast.

Kasky, 25, has appeared on cable news panels in recent years as a progressive activist and commentator. His retraction came hours after the segment aired and followed widespread sharing of the clip online.

The episode drew renewed attention to the legal and editorial risks associated with live panel discussions, especially when high-profile figures are accused of criminal conduct without evidence.

In this case, the on-air correction and subsequent retraction appeared to limit further escalation.

The segment originally aired on CNN and was later reposted across social media platforms, where it continued to generate debate and criticism.

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