Setmayer Comments On Latest Trump Nomination
A fiery debate erupted on CNN NewsNight as Never-Trump commentator Tara Setmayer clashed with Republican strategist Scott Jennings over former President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Dan Bongino as Deputy Director of the FBI. The exchange, which quickly turned into a broader argument over presidential appointments and the state of American democracy, underscored the deep partisan divisions that continue to shape political discourse.
The panel discussion, hosted by Abby Phillip, began with Jennings pushing back against Setmayer’s characterization of Bongino’s qualifications. Bongino, a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, has been a staunch Trump supporter and a vocal conservative commentator. But for Setmayer, that background did not justify his placement in a senior FBI leadership role.
“You just denigrated Bongino’s law enforcement credentials,” Jennings countered. “He was a cop and a Secret Service agent. You denigrated his academic credentials—he has a Master’s Degree.”
Setmayer, unimpressed, interrupted, dismissing the idea that Bongino’s law enforcement background made him suited to oversee an agency of nearly 38,000 employees with an $11 billion budget. “Just because he’s a police officer doesn’t mean he’s qualified to run a 38,000-person, $11 billion budget agency, just like Pete Hegseth being a National Guardsman isn’t either … thank you for your service —” she began before Jennings cut in.
Scott Jennings brutally reminds CNN Abby Philip that Dan Bongino's appointment to Deputy FBI Director is based on President Trump's authority and not on Democrats who refuse to get over their embarrassing election loss. pic.twitter.com/EEHkvpghAH
— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) February 25, 2025
“But you know what does?” Jennings fired back. “Because he enjoys the confidence and the pleasure of the president.”
Setmayer, growing more frustrated, pivoted to a broader attack on Trump himself. “The real problem is Trump’s judgment, which has been terrible,” she declared.
Jennings, unwilling to let that slide, responded bluntly. “I’m sorry that you are not yet over the outcome of the election,” he quipped. “In our system, we elect people—and they appoint people to office. That’s the way it works.”
Setmayer, her voice rising, pushed back forcefully. “No. Look at what’s happening to our country! And I’ll never be over it, Scott. This is dismantling our democracy in front of our eyes.” Yet, despite her strong rhetoric, she failed to provide any clear explanation as to how Bongino’s appointment would constitute a democratic crisis.
At this point, former New York City Council Republican leader Joe Borelli entered the fray, drawing comparisons to controversial Biden administration appointees. He pointed to former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s appointment as Transportation Secretary and referenced “the guy who was stealing luggage,” a clear nod to former Department of Energy official Sam Brinton, who made headlines for multiple luggage theft incidents.
“I think that anyone who’s at any point defending the Biden administration …” Borelli began, before Phillip attempted to refocus the conversation. “But this is the FBI,” she interjected, trying to draw a distinction between political appointees in administrative agencies and senior law enforcement positions.
Pressed again on Bongino’s qualifications, Jennings doubled down. He noted that Bongino’s law enforcement background, academic credentials, and—most importantly—his selection by the president made him fully capable of taking on the role.