Johanna Maska, who has worked alongside Barack Obama for many years, suggested that the current Trump administration should acknowledge its recent success in Iran’s foreign policy by also crediting past presidents.
CNN senior political commentator Jennings gently reminded her that it’s okay, on occasion, to give Trump credit for something.
This conversation happened during a panel discussion on “CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip” on Monday. The host raised the question of whether it might be premature to celebrate the achievement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Jennings was undaunted, announcing he’d be glad to take that lap.
“No. I‘ll be glad to take one,” he said. “What he did was a courageous move.”
“Today is a great day for America. It‘s a great day for Western civilization.”
Maska intervened, expressing her discontent with President Trump’s claim to the operation’s success, arguing that it had been a process spanning several administrations. She seems to overlook the fact that previous presidents merely discussed thwarting Iran’s nuclear plans, while Trump was the lone leader who actually took decisive steps.
“Scott, my problem is the Trump Administration is taking a victory lap as if they‘re the only ones who planned this. And I understand he took the action, but this action was planned by the military for multiple administrations,” said Maska.
An exasperated Jennings offered this advice: “So, occasionally, occasionally, the correct answer is, ‘Good job, President Trump. Well done.’ Occasionally, that‘s the right answer.”
Former Obama aide suggests Trump needs to share credit for developments in the Middle East with past presidents.@ScottJenningsKY: “Occasionally, the correct answer is, ‘Good job, President Trump. Well done.’” pic.twitter.com/NwXzn5xzMi
— Rusty (@Rusty_Weiss) June 24, 2025
