Sometimes, all it takes to make a strong argument is to use someone’s past words against them—and that’s exactly what political commentator Scott Jennings did on CNN this weekend, sparking plenty of reactions across the table.
On Saturday morning’s episode of CNN’s Table for Five, Jennings—often called the “black sheep” at the left-leaning network—didn’t hold back as the panel dug into a major new Supreme Court ruling that gave Donald Trump a big legal win.
Supreme Court Greenlights Trump’s Executive Order on Citizenship
The ruling at the center of the conversation came down 6–3 in Trump’s favor, effectively giving the green light to his executive order on birthright citizenship.
The policy targets children of undocumented immigrants and allows it to go into effect in states that didn’t formally challenge it.
The decision is huge—it could open the door for states to have different citizenship rules depending on local court decisions.
All six conservative justices, including the three Trump appointed, backed the decision.
Meanwhile, the court’s three liberal justices dissented, including Justice Elena Kagan.
Jennings Quotes Kagan to Undercut Her Dissent
Jennings pounced on what he saw as hypocrisy.
He brought up something Justice Kagan said back in 2022, during the Biden administration.
At the time, she criticized how one federal judge could stall an entire national policy.
“She said, ‘It just can’t be right that one district judge can stop a nationwide policy in its tracks,’” Jennings quoted.
“That was when a Democrat was in office. Now she votes against that principle when Trump’s in power.
It just shows that some folks are just political hacks.”
Tensions Rise Over Injunctions and Presidential Power
Host Abby Phillip noted that presidents from both parties—Democrat and Republican—have expressed frustration with nationwide injunctions blocking their policies.
Jennings agreed, saying Friday was a “huge day” for Trump—not just because of the ruling, but also because of big market gains and other Oval Office wins.
Jennings went on to blast judges who “act like kings” and block elected presidents from carrying out their agendas.
“It’s not how democracy should work,” he added, to laughs and some pushback from the rest of the panel.
Debate Heats Up Over Judicial Hypocrisy
Phillip responded by saying Jennings’ claim of “hackery” definitely cuts both ways.
She pointed out how some Republicans—including Trump adviser Stephen Miller—cheered when a Texas judge issued a sweeping abortion ruling they supported.
This back-and-forth underscored how both parties tend to flip their views on judicial overreach depending on who’s in power.
Justices Clash Behind the Scenes Over Ruling
Meanwhile, the ruling itself sparked a serious clash inside the Supreme Court.
Sources say personal tensions among justices are running high as they count down to the summer recess.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the conservative majority, directly took aim at Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in a scathing 900-word rebuttal.
Barrett criticized Jackson’s dissent harshly, calling out what she believed were flawed arguments.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor was also in the dissenting camp but got less of Barrett’s fire.
Jackson, in turn, called the decision an “existential threat to the rule of law,” highlighting just how deep the divisions are on the bench right now.
Trump Celebrates the Win—and Promises More to Come
Speaking from the White House shortly after the decision, Trump didn’t hold back on celebrating.
“This was a big one,” he said, calling the ruling “amazing” and a victory for the Constitution.
Clearly energized, the former president said he would quickly move to revive other policies that were previously blocked by lower courts.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in, saying the ruling sends a message that no district court judge should have the power to act like an “emperor” over the president’s agenda.