Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger joined CNN as a senior political commentator on Wednesday and subsequently faced mockery from critics online.
“Kinzinger joins CNN with extensive experience in GOP politics, having recently retired from the U.S. House of Representatives after serving six terms representing Illinois’ Sixteenth Congressional District,” the network said in a statement. “Kinzinger most recently served on the high-profile House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol as well as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.”
The network also noted Kinzinger’s experience serving in the U.S. Air Force in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Kinzinger was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in November 2003 and later awarded his pilot wings,” the statement said. “He has served in the Air Force Special Operations, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Air National Guard. Kinzinger continues to serve his country as a pilot in the Air National Guard, with the current rank of Lieutenant Colonel.”
“Happy to join the team @CNN!” Kinzinger said on Twitter.
Kinzinger and CNN faced a lot of mockery online over the announcement.
“I can’t tell if CNN is a dude attracted to crazy women, or a woman attracted to destructive head cases,” Fox News host Greg Gutfeld said. “Either way, this is gunna be hilarious!”
I can't tell if CNN is a dude attracted to crazy women, or a woman attracted to destructive head cases. either way, this is gunna be hilarious! https://t.co/iKz9FY935f
— GregGutfeld (@greggutfeld) January 5, 2023
Fox News radio host Jimmy Failla tweeted: “WOW – Adam Kinzinger has signed with CNN. He wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to leave the spotlight.”
“The fact that Chris Licht’s CNN has hired liberal wine mom simp Adam Kinzinger as not only a political commentator but senior political commentator is proof that nothing has changed at CNN from Zucker,” NewsBusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck tweeted. “By and large, CNN still hates a large part of the country.”
Political commentator Stephen L. Miller tweeted: “Also, congrats on a new land speed record.”
“LOL proving every one of his critics right,” political strategist Chris Barron tweeted.
Columnist David Marcus tweeted, “I have no reason to believe that this guy isn’t sincere in his wrong headed ideas, but let’s not kid ourselves, there’s always been a soft landing for Never Trump conservatives. It’s not some great act of courage.”