CNN host blasts conservatives defending DOJ 'investigation in search of a crime'

The panel on CNN's "NewsNight with Abby Phillip" erupted after GOP strategists claimed that the Department of Justice's investigation into two former intelligence officials was to root out political weaponization.

GOP strategists Shermichael Singleton and Scott Jennings both argued that the reasons why President Donald Trump's DOJ announced investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan and former F.B.I. Director James Comey were unclear. Even so, Shermichael and Jennings agreed that the men needed to be investigated because they are symbols of former President Joe Biden's weaponization of the Justice Department against Trump.

Singleton added that Brennan's views about Trump are examples of his political bias, which taints the CIA report that found Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted Trump to win in 2016.

"Is it illegal for people to have political views in this country?" asked host Abby Phillip.

"If they used it to influence their job, and they held a high-ranking intelligence job, then yes," said Jennings.

Phillip then pointed out that the Senate Intelligence Committee report concluded neither Brennan nor Comey's political views influenced their investigations.

"Secondly, Donald Trump thinks Brennan hates him. Fine. Is that a crime?" Phillip asked.

Jennings then changed the subject to talk about potential places to prosecute the two former officials. For instance, the investigation could uncover whether either man lied to Congress or leaked information to the media, Jennings said.

"The thing is, none of us knows," Jennings added.

"So it could be an investigation in search of a crime?" Phillip said.

You can watch the exchange here.