Tensions flared on CNN's NewsNight this week as a progressive journalist and a conservative columnist engaged in a heated exchange over birthright citizenship. The debate, which occurred shortly after the Supreme Court's decision regarding former President Donald Trump's bid to end the practice, saw ABC News contributor Tara Setmayer and New York Post correspondent Lydia Moynihan trade sharp remarks.

Setmayer had been discussing her emotional reaction to seeing Ellis Island, linking it to recent governmental actions. She questioned the sincerity of figures like Stephen Miller, a former Trump administration official, who had stated that the Supreme Court's ruling would encourage "birth tourism." Miller had specifically pointed to travelers from China, suggesting their visits were sometimes orchestrated by the Chinese government.

"It’s bigger than just trying to make up something about, you know, some red herring again about CCP Chinese agents. That’s a bunch of bullsh*t!" Setmayer exclaimed. Moynihan quickly countered, asserting that birth tourism is "not a red herring" but "a legitimate concern."

The exchange escalated, prompting host Abby Phillip to intervene. Setmayer, visibly angered, gestured with her hands, emphasizing her point about the scale of the issue. "It’s a concern about this big," she said. When Moynihan asked why the concern couldn't be acknowledged, Setmayer retorted, "If that’s such a concern, sweetheart, how come none of them said anything about CCP agents? They targeted women and minorities. Give me a break."

Setmayer also criticized what she described as the "misogyny" in the government's consideration of potentially banning pregnant tourists, a move she felt echoed nativist sentiments. She drew a parallel to Miller's own family history, noting his Jewish heritage and their escape from persecution in Germany.

This incident is the latest in a series of contentious on-air discussions on NewsNight. The program, which has featured a range of viewpoints since its revival under Phillip in 2023, has faced criticism and comparisons to "The Jerry Springer Show" from viewers and media figures, including former CNN anchor Jim Acosta. Past debates on the show have involved clashes over immigration policies and redistricting.

Jerry Springer, the host of the talk show with which NewsNight has been compared, passed away in 2023 at the age of 79.