Scott Jennings clashes with ex-Clinton aide in 9/11 debate on CNN: 'You're blaming US?'

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: A heated exchange unfolded on CNN NewsNight on Thursday, March 12 after conservative commentator Scott Jennings strongly pushed back against remarks linking US foreign policy decisions to the events leading up to the September 11 attacks.

The clash occurred during a panel discussion about the United States’ military actions involving Iran and the broader geopolitical consequences of foreign policy decisions.

During the debate, political commentator and former Clinton aide, Keith Boykin, argued that international conflicts can create ripple effects that emerge years or even decades later.

Scott Jennings clashes with Keith Boykin

Boykin referenced historical events to make his point, saying that certain US interventions have had consequences that were not immediately visible at the time.

Boykin then brought up the 9/11 attacks, saying they were connected to earlier US military actions in the Middle East.

“And the same thing happened when we saw 9/11,” Boykin said. “That was because of the United States’ involvement in the first Gulf War and had a long-term effect.”

Scott Jennings immediately challenged the statement, questioning whether Boykin was suggesting that the United States was responsible for the attacks.

“You’re blaming the US for 9/11?” Jennings asked incredulously.

Boykin quickly pushed back on that interpretation, insisting that he was not assigning blame but rather discussing the unintended consequences of international conflicts.

“I’m not blaming the United States,” Boykin replied. “I’m saying that when we take actions across the world, there are consequences that we don’t anticipate that can happen years later.”

He continued, “When we wonder why people are coming after us and attacking us, it’s maybe because we’re attacking them.”

Jennings, however, remained unconvinced and reiterated his objection to the framing of the argument. “The idea that the United States had it coming is insane.”

Boykin rejected that interpretation, accusing Jennings of misrepresenting his remarks. “Never say that. Don’t put words in my mouth,” Boykin responded. “I’m not going to lie about what I just said.”

Jennings replied that the panel could revisit the discussion later, adding, “We’re going to roll the tape later and everybody’s going to see it.”

Scott Jennings calls out 'disgusting' remarks

The debate continued to generate attention after the broadcast when Jennings posted a clip of the exchange on social media and sharply criticized the argument he believed Boykin was making.

“Latest Democrat talking point: The USA had it coming on 9/11. Disgusting,” Jennings wrote in a post reacting to the discussion.

He also argued that Iran had a long history of hostility toward Americans regardless of recent events.

“It’s hard to make the case that Iran will kill Americans in the future because of this conflict when they’ve been killing Americans for decades,” Jennings wrote.