CNN viewers got a front-row reminder last week of how unserious the mainstream media has become when Parkland survivor and MSNBC contributor Cameron Kasky blurted on-air that former President Trump was “provably very involved” in an international sex-trafficking ring tied to Jeffrey Epstein — an explosive allegation that had no basis in fact and was immediately challenged by conservative panelist Scott Jennings. The exchange unfolded on CNN NewsNight, where Jennings pushed back and demanded that the network not let a smear like that stand without evidence.
Host John Berman tried to calm the moment by noting that Trump has never been charged in relation to Epstein, but the damage was already done when Kasky made his allegation out loud on national television. Within a day Kasky issued a bizarre public retraction on X, calling his own claim an “accident” and offering an apology that read to many like damage control rather than genuine contrition.
Good on Scott Jennings for refusing to let the network slide into the usual partisan theater. Jennings didn’t play the game of token outrage; he called the comment out on its face and forced a real-time fact check instead of letting a smear campfire spread unchecked. Conservative voices like his are increasingly the only things standing between baseless character assassination and the rule of law in our public discourse.
There’s a legal and moral line that the press keeps forgetting exists — reckless accusations can ruin lives and careers and invite costly lawsuits for defamation. Jennings himself pointed out the risk when he posted the clip and suggested that someone inside the media machine had undoubtedly made a call to get a retraction, implying possible legal exposure. This isn’t about protecting one politician so much as defending a standard: allegations of criminal conduct need proof, not innuendo.
Beyond this single episode, the broader pattern is clear: establishment outlets habitually weaponize explosive rhetoric to score cheap political points, especially against conservatives. The Epstein saga deserves rigorous, honest reporting, not opportunistic theater designed to trash political opponents without charging them or presenting corroborating evidence. Responsible journalism would treat accusations with the seriousness they merit and preserve the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Americans are tired of a media complex that substitutes moral preening for accountability, and moments like Jennings versus Kasky expose that rot. If conservatives want a fair shot at defending their leaders and their principles, we need more sharp, principled commentators willing to call out both lies and lazy journalism on the spot. Scott Jennings showed what courage on cable looks like; other journalists would do well to follow his example rather than reflexively amplifying smears.
The takeaway is simple: demand facts, insist on due process, and refuse to let the powerful lie about your neighbor or your president unchecked. Hardworking patriots should applaud those who stand up to the media mob, and keep pressing for a press that actually seeks the truth instead of manufacturing it.
