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CNN Commentator Scott Jennings Reacts to Trump Tariffs’ Stock Market Impact
Conservative political analyst Scott Jennings, often seen as a Republican voice on CNN, offered a lighthearted response to the recent tariffs implemented by former President Donald Trump. These tariffs have been cited as a factor in the stock market’s recent downturn. During a segment on CNN News Central, Jennings’ reaction to the on-screen stock market ticker sparked amusement.
Humorous Evasion of Stock Market Ticker on CNN Broadcast
Jennings joined CNN anchor John Berman and Democratic strategist Meghan Hays on Friday’s edition of CNN News Central to discuss the potential repercussions of Trump’s newly enacted tariffs. As the segment neared its conclusion, the live stock market ticker was prominently displayed on the screen, positioned near Jennings. In a playful moment, Jennings jokingly attempted to hide beneath the news desk, seemingly to distance himself from the market data.
Berman, with a smile, apologized to Jennings for the ticker’s placement. “Why didn’t you put it by Meghan?” Jennings quipped. “Could we perhaps move it to the other side of the screen? I feel this was intentional.”
Berman jokingly replied that repositioning the ticker wouldn’t alter the underlying implications for Republicans. When the camera angle widened, the ticker remained in close proximity to Jennings, prompting Berman to joke that it was “following” him.
“Literally! Allow me to just get down here,” Jennings responded, proceeding to duck under the table in a comedic attempt to escape the visual representation of the declining stock market.
Scott Jennings joked about avoiding the stock market ticker during a CNN commentary segment.
Jennings playfully hid under the table as a reaction to the falling stock market discussion related to Trump’s tariffs.
President Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on imported goods on April 2, a date his administration termed ‘Liberation Day.’ Economists have criticized the tariffs for potentially raising consumer prices.
“And as if to underscore the point,” Berman concluded, before expressing gratitude to both Jennings and Hays for their contributions to the program.
Jennings’ Cautious Take on Trump’s Trade Policy
Leading up to his humorous exit, Jennings offered a measured perspective on Trump’s tariffs. “If it proves effective, it will be an exceptionally bold move,” he stated, “but if it’s misguided, the ramifications will rest squarely on one individual.”
While Jennings has previously voiced disapproval of some of Trump’s actions, notably his role in the January 6th events, he has indicated his support for Trump in the 2024 election. In a November opinion piece for the Los Angeles Times, Jennings conveyed that despite Trump having “tested” the Republican party, he would still cast his vote for him.
Since that statement, Jennings has frequently defended Trump’s policies in CNN panel discussions. However, during Friday’s broadcast, he displayed reluctance to fully endorse the tariffs. When questioned about whether the tariffs were a “sound gamble,” Jennings responded, “we will see.”
Nevertheless, Jennings asserted that Trump was “staking his presidency” on the tariffs, emphasizing that this issue represents “the most enduring political and economic conviction he [Trump] has ever held.”
Democratic Strategist Hays Expresses Confusion Over Tariff Timing
In contrast, Meghan Hays voiced bewilderment as to why Trump would choose to implement tariffs at a time when the stock market had been experiencing gains since he assumed office.
Jennings typically defends presidential actions but presented a more reserved view on President Trump’s tariffs.
Jennings debated Trump’s tariffs with Meghan Hays (left) during John Berman’s (middle) CNN segment.
She further contended that the tariffs would disproportionately burden middle-class families and potentially diminish Trump’s public approval ratings.
Jennings countered by suggesting that the tariffs were “merely one component” of a broader economic strategy pursued by the president.
He likened the tariffs to an apple tree, implying that while there might be short-term negative consequences, the policy’s ultimate aim was to benefit Americans in the long run.
Jennings Defends Tariffs in Debate with CNN Business Editor
Jennings presented a similar viewpoint during a CNN NewsNight appearance with Abby Phillips on Thursday. He engaged in a debate with Richard Quest, CNN’s Business editor-at-large, concerning the economic ramifications of Trump’s tariff policy.
Jennings maintained that American voters were aware of Trump’s tariff plans when they voted for him in the November election.
Quest retorted that he “never anticipated this level of absurdity” and criticized the tariffs as “economic vandalism.”
He argued against the notion that tariffs would generate more American jobs, even using his shoe to illustrate that a significant portion of consumer goods are manufactured outside of the United States.
“It’s my shoe, right here! It’s made in China. You speak of luxury items, but even your shoe reveals its origin,” Quest stated.
“Made in China, made in Vietnam. This will become 34 percent more expensive,” he emphasized, pointing to his shoe.
Jennings also discussed the tariffs on NewsNight with Abby Philip and debated the policy with Richard Quest, CNN’s Business editor-at-large, who is British journalist.
Economic Concerns Mount as Tariffs Take Effect
Trump announced the most substantial tariff increase since 1930 on April 2nd, with his administration labeling the date “Liberation Day.”
The 10 percent tariff on all imported goods commenced on Saturday, with supplementary tariffs scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Trump asserted that these tariffs would ensure equitable trade practices, prioritize American manufacturing, and rectify trade imbalances.
However, the stock market has declined in response to the tariffs, and economic experts have cautioned that consumers are likely to face increased prices as a result of Trump’s policies.
The price increases are expected to affect a wide array of products, encompassing grocery items, electronic devices, and automotive components.