Controversy on CNN Panel over Minnesota Lt. Gov.’s Costume
On Tuesday, Scott Jennings, a host from Salem Radio Network, stirred up conversation during a CNN panel by criticizing Minnesota’s Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for wearing a “Handmaid’s Tale” outfit, which he viewed as a way to gain favor with the Somali community. Flanagan appeared in a hijab while visiting a market in the Minneapolis area, an event highlighted by Minnesota’s Somali TV.
Jennings expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating that “catering” to the Somali population seemed “a little strange.” This prompted Jamal Simmons, a former aide to Kamala Harris, to respond. Jennings further questioned, “Isn’t it a bit odd how the Minnesota Democratic Party interacts with the Somali community?” Simmons, who had recently been in Minnesota, began to reply but was quickly cut off.
Jennings continued to express his confusion over why the lieutenant governor would dress in a “Handmaid’s Tale” costume to engage with the community, yet Simmons interrupted him, calling out the remark as out of line.
The “Handmaid’s Tale,” a dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood published in 1985, explores a theocratic and oppressive regime in the U.S. It was later adapted into a well-known TV series on Hulu.
Jennings attempted to discuss why Democrats focus so heavily on the Somali community, but he was halted by Abby Phillips, the host of “CNN Newsnight.” She questioned why it was acceptable to comment in such a manner about Somali people, likening it to inappropriate remarks about Orthodox Jews. The exchange grew heated as Jennings suggested that the emphasis on the Somali community stemmed from Democratic strategies.
Phillips countered Jennings’ arguments, accusing him of undermining the Somali community’s cultural practices and equating their attire with the “Handmaid’s Tale” to denigrate their religion. She called for a stop to such comparisons, implying that similar remarks about other communities would not be tolerated.
Jennings insisted that it was the Democratic Party who had placed the Somali diaspora in Minneapolis at the forefront of political discussions, noting that they represent just a portion of the population. He also pointed out ongoing scams linked to this demographic, mentioning that Governor Tim Walz suggested investigations into these issues were unnecessarily driven by charges of white supremacy.
On November 30, officials criticized Governor Walz for retaliating against a whistleblower who had brought a fraudulent scheme to his attention, which has reportedly grown to an estimated $9 billion in value. Federal investigations are currently underway concerning allegations that some funds may have financed the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
