CNN Anchor Trounces Co-Host Scott Jennings Over Tariffs: 'Backing Down Is Not Leverage'

CNN anchor Abby Phillip trounced her conservative “NewsNight” co-host Scott Jennings on Thursday during an argument over America’s trade war with China, and stated firmly that “backing down isn’t leverage” — as the President Donald Trump fan seemed to suggest.

The discussion centered on an announcement Monday from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that Trump has agreed to lower his 145% tariff on Chinese imports to 30% in exchange for a 10% export tariff, but only for 90 days, as negotiations continue.

Jennings praised Trump for “creating leverage” against China, prompting Phillip to note the administration launched these negotiations only to “unilaterally” lower their own 145% levy — and that Trump “negotiated himself down off of a hill that he climbed on his own.”

“I’m not sure how that’s creating leverage,” she continued.

When Jennings argued “the leverage is getting them to the table,” Phillip pointed out that the U.S. hasn’t been offered a new permanent trade agreement yet, only for Jennings to claim this is “not true” — and that “they’re already negotiating non-tariff trade barriers.”