Scott Jennings, a CNN commentator and vocal Trump defender, criticized Sen. Jon Ossoff for a joke about White House aide Natalie Harp, calling it sexist. Ossoff had said Trump "wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie" on a jet reportedly gifted by Qatar. Critics responded that Jennings' rebuke ignored President Trump's long history of lewd remarks and misconduct toward women, including the "Access Hollywood" tape and a $5 million civil verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case.
Scott Jennings' Defense Of Trump Over Natalie Harp Backfires As Critics Cite President's Record
Scott Jennings' Attempt To Defend Trump On Natalie Harp Backfires Spectacularly
CNN commentator Scott Jennings, a frequent defender of President Donald Trump, came under fire after he criticized Sen. Jon Ossoff for an offhand remark about White House aide Natalie Harp. Jennings called Ossoff's line sexist, but many observers said the rebuke ignored the broader context of the president's behavior toward women.
Ossoff, arguing that Trump is not fit to lead, quipped on Sunday: "He doesn't want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar." The White House and conservative commentators pushed back, calling the line inappropriate.
Jennings Pushes Back — And Gets Pushback
On X, Jennings wrote: "This is quite a message for the Democratic Party to send to young women working in politics. Party of women? Pretty ugly stuff." He also called Ossoff a "coward" and urged him to "own your sexist joke, bro."
President Donald Trump and aide Natalie Harp exit Marine One on the Ellipse near the White House on Aug. 16, 2026. Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images
Critics Point To Trump's Record
Many critics responded that Jennings' criticism missed the point because of President Trump's long-documented record of derogatory comments and conduct toward women. They noted the notorious "Access Hollywood" tape in which Trump made lewd remarks about women, multiple demeaning exchanges with female journalists, and a civil jury verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the E. Jean Carroll case, resulting in a $5 million judgment.
Commentators also reminded readers of Trump's past association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, a relationship that later soured reportedly over a real estate dispute.
Context Matters: Critics argued that calling Ossoff's line sexist without acknowledging Trump's history came across as tone-deaf and deflective.
Photo caption: President Donald Trump and aide Natalie Harp exit Marine One on the Ellipse near the White House on Aug. 16, 2026. Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images.
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