By Charles Switzer
1:01pm PST, Feb 8, 2025
CNN Panel Explodes Over Elon Musk's Rehired 'Racist' Engineer
A fiery exchange erupted on
CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip as panelists debated the return of
Marko Elez to
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team.
Elez, who previously resigned over racist comments — including "Normalize Indian hate" — was swiftly rehired by Musk, sparking outrage.
While Vice President
J.D. Vance called for "grace," Rep.
Ro Khanna (D-CA) strongly condemned the decision, setting the stage for a heated debate.
Here are four fiery takeaways from the explosive segment.
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Touré Blasts GOP for Protecting Racists Over Minorities
Progressive writer
Touré didn't hold back, slamming Vance's defense of Elez. "In a world where DEI, critical race theory and affirmative action are under attack, we're protecting
white supremacists and racists while attacking Black and brown people who want to be part of the fabric of the country," he said.
He also questioned how Vance, whose wife is Indian, would justify standing up for someone who openly spewed anti-Indian rhetoric.
Lance Trover Defends Elez, Touré Fires Back
GOP strategist Lance Trover argued that Elez, at just 25, should be given another chance, rather than having his career permanently destroyed over past remarks. "So what, he's banished off into the desert for eternity?" he asked.
But Touré immediately cut in, asking, "So you're okay with racism in your party?"
The tense moment escalated as Trover shot back: "Hold on, man, let me finish! That is not what I said, so don't even go there."
A War on 'Cancel Culture' or Enabling Hate?
While Democratic strategist
Jenna Arnold suggested Vance's stance was more about proving cancel culture is dead, critics argue that protecting Elez sends a dangerous message.
"As Musk continues reshaping federal agencies, the controversy highlights a broader political battle: Is holding people accountable for racism an act of justice, or is it an overreach in an era of
political correctness?" a political analyst asked on Bluesky.
