Overview
- Cuomo posted the clip to X and Instagram on Jan. 21, telling Jennings, “Don’t be a tough guy,” and warning that “somebody beats your ass” could result from his posture.
- The video responded to a CNN NewsNight exchange in which Cameron Kasky objected to Jennings’ use of “illegals,” prompting Jennings to ask, “How are you gonna enforce your edict on me?”
- Cuomo argued both parties had shifted to “undocumented” because “illegal aliens” seemed inhuman, echoing newsroom guidance such as AP’s long-standing advice against labeling people as illegal.
- Coverage across outlets characterized Cuomo’s remarks as a suggestion that Jennings could face physical retaliation, with no reported response from Jennings or indications of disciplinary action.
- Context for the feud includes Jennings’ role as a prominent conservative CNN contributor since 2017 and Cuomo’s move to NewsNation after his 2021 CNN firing, with Cuomo also questioning Jennings’ pro-Trump shift.