Anderson Cooper snaps at Chris Sununu over defense of Elon Musk's DOGE: 'Don’t put words in my mouth'

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN host Anderson Cooper engaged in a tense verbal exchange with the former GOP Governor of New Hampshire Chris Sununu on air on Tuesday, February 11, which culminated in him telling the latter not to "be a d**k."

The moment went viral on social media even as Cooper apologized for his comment soon afterward, and Sununu laughed it off saying that it was "one of the nicest things" he was called all week.

Argument between Anderson Cooper and Chris Sununu

The viral moment took place during a panel discussion on CNN where the recent Oval Office press meeting by President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk was being analyzed, reported the New York Post.

As the chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), fielded the majority of the questions at the briefing, and used the opportunity to highlight what he believed to be wasteful federal spending.

Sununu defended Musk's claims on air, pointing out that the Tesla CEO had offered “specific examples off the top of his head of where the corruption and fraud were."

However, Musk did not provide any supporting evidence for his claims, which included a person who has allegedly been dead for 150 years continuing to receive Social Security funds. Cooper pushed back saying the same, to which Sununu replied that he expected Musk to “come in with 10,000 pages” of documents to back up his claims.

The conversation further heated up after the subject of the Trump administration firing four Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees over allegations of using federal funds to house migrants in New York City hotels was brought up.

Musk had previously claimed FEMA had spent $59 million to put immigrants in “luxury” hotels, referring to which Cooper began, "But some of the details that have come out, like the $59 million spent on luxury hotels, it’s actually not.”

“You’re talking about the FEMA money that was abused for migrants? That was FEMA money for migrants. That’s OK now?” interrupted the Republican.

"I’m not saying it’s OK. Don’t put words in my mouth," said the anchor, seemingly frustrated. As Sununu pressed him further, "So, would you stop that? Would you stop that process?”

Cooper snapped and retorted, "Don't be a d**k. What I’m saying is the portrayal by him is just not factually accurate.”

Aftermath of tense exchange

Anderson Cooper later apologized to Chris Sununu on the show for his remark, saying, "I need to apologize, I was rude to you and I … I like having you here.”

However, according to The Hill, Sununu was far from offended and stated with a smile, “Are you kidding? I grew up with seven brothers and sisters. That’s one of the nicest things I’ve been called all week. I’m a Sununu. I’m a former governor. You want to know what I’m normally called?"

He then told the anchor, "It’s post-8 o’clock. Have some fun on CNN," but Cooper did not accept the invitation to let loose, saying, "I don’t wanna do that."

The Republican later told NYP over email, "I’m from New Hampshire. It takes a lot more than that to offend me.”

“If anything I think it was great that Anderson got comfortable enough to have a political argument with me like any of my buddies would over a beer, but I still don’t think I’m getting an invitation to that New Year’s Eve party," he added.

Internet divided over Anderson Cooper's remark

While Anderson Cooper went viral across social media for calling Sununu a "d**k," netizens were divided on what to feel about the incident. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Cooper was right though," wrote a user.

"Retract that unnecessary apology!" exclaimed another.

"Too bad Anderson felt the need to apologize. He was absolutely correct," echoed a third.

"No apology necessary. Sununu makes a fool of himself every CNN guest spot. He’s horrid," noted a fourth.

However, another user shared, "Anderson, manners please."

"CNN is dying a little more every day," jibed a sixth.

"Anderson Cooper is very mad and very scared," insisted a seventh.

"So professional!" mocked yet another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.