CNN’s Abby Phillip Shuts Down Scott Jennings’ ‘IQ Test’ Remark in Must-See NewsNight Clash

CNN anchor Abby Phillip found herself at the center of a social-media firestorm overnight after GOP strategist Scott Jennings told panelist Franklin Leonard that the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation was an “IQ test,” a remark many viewers condemned as racially loaded. The tense exchange aired Tuesday on “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip,” sparking hundreds of thousands of posts on X and TikTok within hours and propelling Phillip’s name to the top of real-time search rankings. Phillip, who moderated the segment, immediately pushed back on Jennings, challenging his assertion that a decade of investigations had cleared former President Donald Trump of wrongdoing in the Epstein saga. Fellow guest Josh Doss highlighted the racial undertone of Jennings’ comment, noting that Black men are too often presumed guilty while powerful white figures enjoy “the presumption of innocence.” The clip has already racked up more than 12 million views on X, with hashtags #AbbyPhillip and #IQTest trending for much of Wednesday morning. The backlash was swift: progressive advocates demanded an on-air apology from Jennings, while conservative influencers accused Phillip of “playing the race card.” CNN has not issued a formal statement, but network insiders say producers stand by Phillip’s handling of the exchange as “firm and fair.” Jennings, for his part, insists critics are “manufacturing outrage,” telling followers that his phrase was “a figure of speech” directed at Leonard, not a slur against Black intelligence. The controversy arrives during a pivotal moment for Phillip’s career. Just days ago she headlined the 2025 Texas Tribune Festival to preview her forthcoming book, “A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power.” In Austin she framed the biography as “a roadmap for understanding the stakes of the 2026 election cycle,” signaling an ambitious multimedia rollout that will include a podcast and live town halls. Why the uproar matters: 1. Ratings momentum: “CNN NewsNight” has steadily closed the gap with MSNBC at 10 p.m. ET. Viral clips like Tuesday’s confrontational panel often translate into appointment viewing the following night. 2. Election-year optics: The Epstein files bill, which Jenn­ings and Leonard debated, is now on Trump’s desk. How major outlets frame the story could shape perceptions of accountability heading into the 2026 midterms. 3. Media representation: Phillip, one of the few Black women anchoring a nightly cable news program, is increasingly seen as a barometer for how legacy networks handle conversations about race and power. SEO-friendly takeaway: Viewers searching “Abby Phillip Scott Jennings IQ test video,” “CNN NewsNight controversy,” or “Abby Phillip new book” will find that the anchor’s poised rebuttal—coupled with her rising author profile—positions her as a leading voice at the intersection of politics, race, and media accountability.