Conservative CNN Guests Call Trump’s 'Seriously Retarded' Remark 'Absolutely Indefensible'

A former federal prosecutor and a Republican strategist on CNN condemned President Trump’s Thanksgiving remarks as "absolutely indefensible." Their criticism followed a Washington, D.C., shooting that left one West Virginia National Guard member dead and led to the arrest of a 29-year-old Afghan national. On Truth Social, Mr. Trump announced a "permanent pause" on immigration from "Third World Countries" and used derogatory language about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar; some claims about Omar remain unverified. The episode has left some conservatives struggling to reconcile the administration’s rhetoric with their values.

11:18 AM, 11/29/2025Politics

A former federal prosecutor and a Republican strategist sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s Thanksgiving-night remarks, calling them "absolutely indefensible." Their comments came amid heightened tensions after a shooting in Washington, D.C., that left one West Virginia National Guard member dead.

On Wednesday, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot while deployed in Washington, D.C. — a deployment the White House said was ordered in August to address rising crime. One soldier died of her injuries the following day. Authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Afghan national in connection with the shooting; officials say he reportedly fought for a CIA-backed paramilitary force in Afghanistan, though some details remain under investigation.

On Thanksgiving night on his platform Truth Social, the president announced a "permanent pause" on immigration from what he described as "Third World Countries" and singled out Somali immigrants, particularly those in Minnesota. He also attacked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), using the phrase "seriously retarded," and made repeated personal accusations about Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), including a disparaging remark about her hijab and unverified claims about her family and immigration history.

Speaking on CNN's program, guest host Boris Sanchez asked former federal prosecutor Joseph Moreno how such remarks affect conservative supporters.

"What happened to 'Happy Thanksgiving'?" Sanchez asked.

Moreno responded: "Boris, you’re putting your finger, honestly, on what’s so difficult to be a conservative-leaning citizen, who, my whole life has cherished vigorous, but respectful debate. And so when you see something like this, which is absolutely indefensible, and you’re sitting at the Thanksgiving table, and your family and friends say, 'How can you possibly support an administration that comes out with messages like this?' — it’s not easy."

Republican strategist Melik Abdul offered a similar reaction earlier on the network. "Oh, bro, you gotta be kidding me now," he said, describing his shock at the president’s language.

Critics say the remarks complicate efforts by some conservatives to reconcile their political priorities with a tone they view as demeaning or divisive. Supporters point to other policy achievements as reasons for continued backing, while opponents say the comments cross a line and distract from substantive debate. Several of the accusations aimed at Rep. Omar remain unsubstantiated in public records and reporting.