CNN is facing criticism for employing pundit Scott Jennings, who allegedly took Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's statement out of context. Following an incident where federal agents shot a man in Minneapolis, Governor Walz posted a statement expressing anger and urging Minnesotans not to give Donald Trump what he wants, stating, "Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community and of peace." Jennings then shared a portion of Walz's quote, implying the governor suggested Minnesota was seceding from the federal government, which Jennings used to support Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act.
Journalist Brian Beutler highlighted Jennings' "dishonestly truncated quote" and accused CNN of allowing Jennings to spread lies. Other figures, including Andrew Egger and Doug Henwood, also criticized Jennings' interpretation, with Congressman Jim Himes questioning CNN's decision to employ Jennings and reminding him of Walz's full statement.