Abby Phillip presses Lydia Moynihan over claims some cultures aren’t ‘compatible’ with the US
WASHINGTON, DC: A heated debate broke out on CNN’s 'Saturday Morning Table for Five' this week as anchor Abby Philip repeatedly pressed New York Post correspondent Lydia Moynihan to explain what she meant by claiming certain “cultures” are not compatible with the United States.
The exchange aired days after President Donald Trump reignited controversy with remarks about immigration made earlier this week, describing some countries as “filthy, dirty, disgusting” and crime-ridden, while specifically mentioning Somalia.
The discussion, which unfolded on Saturday, quickly turned tense as Philip challenged what she described as vague and dangerous generalizations about immigrants and culture, pushing Moynihan to define exactly who should be excluded under such reasoning.
CNN panel clashes over immigration, crime, and cultural values
Arguing from a conservative perspective, Moynihan said there is a legitimate concern on the right that “certain cultures” do not align with American values and should not be allowed into the country.
Phillip immediately pressed her for clarity.
“Which ones?” Phillip asked, repeating the question several times as Moynihan attempted to broaden her argument. Moynihan pointed to Europe, claiming cultural conflicts have played out there. “If we look at Europe, actually, there was a lawyer this week who argued that an Afghan immigrant who r*ped a woman shouldn’t be charged or shouldn’t have a penalty because his culture said that women weren’t free and equal,” she said.
She also claimed that “77% of rapes in France are from migrants,” arguing that such cases raise serious questions about cultural compatibility.
“What are the cultures?” Phillip asked again, refusing to move on without specifics.
Moynihan responded, “The cultures that are okay with that. The cultures that are okay with female g*nital mutilation.”
Abby Phillip challenges CNN panel on culture-based immigration claims
Phillip pushed back, arguing that “culture” is a slippery concept that can easily turn into broad and harmful generalizations. “So I mean, is it Afghanistan? Is it Africans? What is it?” Phillip asked, challenging Moynihan to name exactly who should be barred.
Phillip then raised the issue of women and refugees fleeing abuse. “What about the people fleeing female g*nital mutilation? Are you gonna allow them in? Are they allowed in?” she asked. “I mean, if you are Somali and you’re a woman and you’re fleeing, you’re actually trying to leave.”
Moynihan fired back bluntly: “They’re bringing it with them.”
Phillip appeared incredulous. “If you wanna leave another country, Afghanistan, because you want to be able to read, the United States says you are not allowed in because culturally not compatible with this country. How does that make sense?” she asked the table.
Jared Moskowitz cites history in immigration culture debate
Democratic Rep Jared Moskowitz of Florida added historical context to the debate, drawing parallels to past immigration restrictions.
“My grandparents came from Germany and Poland to escape the Holocaust,” Moskowitz said. “And before they got here the whole USS St Louis was turned away because Jewish culture was determined at that moment as non compatible.”
Moynihan responded by stressing that “vetting matters,” arguing that screening immigrants is essential to prevent abuse and crime.
“But I’m just saying that was not okay then and it’s not okay now,” Moskowitz shot back, underscoring the danger of using culture as a justification to deny refuge.
