A segment on CNN’s “NewsNight With Abby Phillip” became contentious Thursday when a debate over recent Supreme Court decisions on immigration escalated into a clash between a Trump campaign surrogate and a former Democratic aide. The discussion centered on rulings that allow the Trump administration to turn away asylum seekers and end temporary protected status for nationals from certain countries.
Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, argued that the decisions were a "devastating way to go into celebrating 250 years of America, by kicking out the people who make America great." She emphasized the contributions of immigrants who arrive with the intention of building a life and career in the U.S.
Caroline Sunshine, deputy communications director for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, interjected by asking if a Haitian migrant, who was involved in a fatal 2023 school bus crash in Springfield, Ohio, was making America better with his actions. The crash resulted in the death of 11-year-old Aiden Clark.
Keith Boykin, a former aide to President Bill Clinton, challenged Sunshine’s use of the incident, questioning whether 350,000 people should be expelled due to one case. Sunshine defended her point, stating, "He killed a child." Boykin countered by asking if all white individuals who commit crimes in the U.S. should also be deported, labeling Sunshine’s argument as "racist" and "abhorrent."
Sunshine reiterated that the migrant’s actions were "disgusting," while Boykin concluded that the MAGA movement is "made of racism." Host Abby Phillip eventually ended the discussion.
Clark’s father had previously urged the public not to use his son’s death to spread hate, despite the incident being used by some on the right in anti-immigration discussions.