Power Lines with Oliver Darcy and Jon Passantino CNN Fury Over Scott Jennings, Bari Weiss' Morning Show Shakeup, Trump's Press Dinner Backlash
Mar 6, 2026
A breakdown of infighting among MAGA media figures over the Iran conflict and what that split means for their coalition. Coverage of CNN turmoil after a controversial tweet from a conservative commentator and staff backlash. Debate over the risks of the president attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the dread among reporters. A look at Bari Weiss reshaping a major morning show and her candidate choices.
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CNN Staff Resent Scott Jennings' Partisan Reporting
- Scott Jennings' viral tweet claiming Iran planned preemptive strikes exposed internal CNN friction over partisan commentators.
- CNN reporters published Pentagon-briefing-based reporting the next day that undercut Jennings and provoked anger among staff who view him as dishonest.
Producers Warn Guests About Appearing With Scott Jennings
- Inside CNN some producers now warn guests they'll be on a panel with Scott Jennings so guests can bow out if they don't want to appear with him.
- That practice illustrates how reviled Jennings is among colleagues and how booking shifts to avoid him.
Iran Strikes Trigger Civil War In MAGA Media
- Trump's Iran operation fractured MAGA media into pro-war Fox-style figures and online 'America First' influencers who see the strikes as betrayal.
- High-profile hosts like Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Ben Shapiro picked sides, creating an unprecedented schism in Trump-aligned outlets.