Republican strategist Scott Jennings left CNN anchor Kate Bolduan stammering during a heated exchange on Wednesday. He argued that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Chairman Elon Musk has been "transparent" in his push for reform in Washington.
Bolduan disagreed, claiming Musk hasn't been open at all. Jennings fired back, accusing her of bias. He insisted that Musk’s team frequently shares updates on how they’re cutting federal costs.
“I take him at his word that he invites transparency,” Jennings said. “Everyone in the media is watching him closely every day. He has nothing to fear from Congress asking questions.”
Bolduan tried to interrupt several times but struggled to get her point across. When she finally spoke, she insisted Musk hadn’t been transparent. “He’s not been on the front end of this. He has not been transparent,” she said.
Jennings wasn’t buying it. He pointed out that DOGE makes routine announcements and invites questions about their findings daily. Bolduan countered, saying they aren’t providing enough data to back up their claims. “They just aren’t,” she added, stumbling over her words.
Jennings accused her of ignoring the facts. “So you just don’t believe it. They are providing information. You just choose not to believe it,” he said.
Bolduan pushed back. “No one should just believe it,” she said. “Do you think people have taken kickbacks of tens of millions of dollars from USAID?” She referenced Musk’s suggestion at a press conference that USAID officials had taken kickbacks.
Jennings pivoted, asking if she believed there was any level of waste, fraud, or abuse in the government. Bolduan tried to steer the conversation back. “That’s not what you’re asking me,” she said. “And I’m going to ask the questions.”
Jennings doubled down, insisting DOGE is finding waste, fraud, and abuse. Bolduan wasn’t convinced. “By definition, they’re not being transparent,” she repeated.
Jennings scoffed and asked what more DOGE could do. Bolduan said she wanted them to “provide data,” stumbling once again. Jennings agreed with the idea of providing data but defended DOGE’s regular announcements and reports.
Bolduan denied that DOGE had been releasing reports. Jennings pointed out that DOGE’s X account posted multiple updates just this week. One highlighted nearly $1 billion in canceled contracts from the Departments of Education and Agriculture.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that four FEMA employees were fired for distributing $59 million to New York City hotels for illegal migrant care. DOGE had flagged that expense on social media a day earlier.