CNN commentator Scott Jennings pushed back against fellow panelist Xochitl Hinojosa on Sunday after she voiced concerns about Elon Musk’s alleged involvement with the FBI and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

During a discussion on CNN’s State of the Union, Hinojosa told host Dana Bash that she was “terrified” of Musk’s influence, particularly his alleged collaboration with federal agencies.

“I’m terrified that Elon Musk is putting people in federal agencies to figure out business opportunities for him,” Hinojosa said, claiming that sources within the FBI were worried about Musk’s actions.

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Her comments came amid ongoing Democratic protests in Washington, D.C., against Musk’s close ties to President Donald Trump and his endorsement of the administration’s policies.

Jennings quickly dismissed Hinojosa’s claims, interjecting, “You’re terrified that the FBI might have the internet? I mean, I don’t understand, like —” before she reiterated her concerns.

Jennings then argued that Musk’s role in government operations was being exaggerated, highlighting his efforts to support U.S. agencies.

“He’s like sleeping on a, whatever, on the floor of a government office building seven days a week in order to help this government,” Jennings said, noting Musk’s commitment to efficiency.

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Jennings went on to criticize Democrats for defending unnecessary spending, adding, “Although some of this stuff is patently, objectively ridiculous. When I see Democrats rushing out to defend some of the things that he’s cutting, I mean, it makes the Democratic Party sink to very low levels. But what I see him actually doing, and the most important thing he’s doing, is enforcing the doctrine of common sense.”

Musk’s critics escalated their attacks after he and President Trump announced plans to restructure the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), placing it under the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While reports have surfaced of taxpayer dollars funding controversial international programs, including initiatives promoting left-wing social policies abroad, Democrats have argued that Musk’s involvement in USAID’s restructuring is unlawful.

Jennings doubled down on his defense of the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape federal agencies, stating that the government is working to restore balance after years of mismanagement.

“This was the doctrine that Trump laid out in his inaugural address. What is the ideology of the Republican Party right now? It is best described as enforcement of common sense,” Jennings said.

“We have uncommon nonsense on the left, and we have common sense,” he added.

Jennings emphasized that while eliminating small grants won’t balance the budget entirely, the administration’s focus remains on restoring accountability and cutting wasteful spending.

“When you look at what the government is doing, agency after agency, and spending some of our money, we’re not going to balance it on a $79,000 grant here or there, but we are going to restore common sense. That’s the point,” he concluded.

A new CBS poll released Sunday shows that 53% of Americans approve of Trump’s leadership just weeks into his second term.

Additionally, 70% of respondents believe the president is fulfilling his campaign promises.

As the administration continues its push for government efficiency, the debate over Musk’s involvement in federal agencies is likely to remain a point of contention among lawmakers and political commentators.

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