Tensions arose on a CNN panel on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, when “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary was admonished by political analyst Angela Rye for making physical contact during a heated discussion regarding Elon Musk’s political contributions to Republican lawmakers.
This incident took place on “CNN NewsNight,” where O’Leary and Rye, former executive director and general counsel for the Congressional Black Caucus, debated the ethics of Musk’s donations to Republican Congress members who support impeaching federal judges that have obstructed actions by President Trump.
During the argument, O’Leary reportedly touched Rye off-camera, leading her to set her boundaries. “You don’t have to touch me,” Rye stated firmly.
O’Leary countered by saying he “did that nicely,” speaking softly.
Rye quickly reaffirmed her personal space: “I don’t want you to touch me. That’s my personal space.”
“I won’t ever do it again,” O’Leary replied, acknowledging her demand.
The incident sparked discussion on social media, with some criticizing O’Leary’s conduct as a method to silence Rye, while others perceived Rye’s reaction as excessive.
The physical contact occurred during a contentious dialogue about Musk’s recent political donations. Musk has contributed $6,600 – the maximum legal individual contribution – to seven Republican Congress members who support impeaching judges or taking action against those who have blocked Trump administration policies.
Host Abby Phillip began the conversation by questioning whether these donations could be considered lobbying. As O’Leary and Rye spoke over one another, the debate escalated, with Rye arguing that Musk’s contributions crossed a legal boundary.
“He [Musk] literally says thank you to the members who introduce articles of impeachment,” Rye stated during the exchange. “That is an exchange of value. That is a violation.”
O’Leary defended the practice of political fundraising as a long-standing tradition in American politics. “The oldest profession on Earth is not prostitution — it’s politicians raising money,” he retorted. “That has happened from the beginning of time. That’s going on forever, and will continue forever. This issue around judges, this is pure politics… No laws have been broken. You don’t like it? Too bad.”
According to multiple reports, Musk’s donations were made to Representatives Eli Crane, Lauren Boebert, Andy Ogles, Andrew Clyde, Derrick Van Orden, Brandon Gill, and Senator Chuck Grassley. Several of these lawmakers have introduced impeachment articles against certain judges or called for measures against them for rulings that obstructed Trump administration initiatives.
The donations followed several court decisions that blocked Trump administration actions, including attempts to terminate birthright citizenship, freeze foreign aid, and ban transgender individuals from the military. Recently, a federal judge ordered the administration to reverse planes carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members who were being deported.
Musk has expressed support for these impeachment efforts, stating that there has been “extreme abuse of the legal system by activists pretending to be judges.” His super PAC will reportedly focus on down-ballot races in the 2024 election cycle.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts commented on the matter, stating that impeachment is not a suitable response to disagreements with judicial decisions. Roberts emphasized that the appellate review process exists for challenging court rulings.
Legal experts have voiced concern that the Trump administration has already started disregarding federal court orders, which they warn could lead to a larger constitutional crisis if the trend continues.
The confrontation between O’Leary and Rye underscores the increasingly contentious nature of political discourse on news programs, especially when discussing actions by high-profile figures like Musk and their impact on American politics.
While some Republicans support the idea of impeaching judges who rule against the administration’s policies, there are divisions within the party. One anonymous House Republican stated they do not support impeaching a sitting judge solely based on a disagreement with a decision.
Musk’s political spending has increased significantly in this election cycle. Reports indicate he has spent nearly $300 million on the 2024 election, with his focus shifting to down-ballot races rather than presidential campaigns.
The incident between O’Leary and Rye highlights both the emotional intensity that can arise during political debates and the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even in heated televised discussions.
