‘I was rude’: CNN's Anderson Cooper apologizes to Republican after profane on-air barb

Erik De La Garza

Feb. 12, 2025, 2:16 a.m.

Moments after CNN’s Anderson Cooper slapped an on-air insult to former Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH), the host found himself apologizing for the remark.

The moment unfolded Tuesday on Cooper’s eponymous show “Anderson Cooper 360” as the primetime host and his guests discussed Elon Musk’s Oval Office appearance earlier in the day and transparency in government spending.

“FEMA money for migrants – that's okay now?” Sununu asked.

“I’m not saying it's okay,” Cooper responded. “Don't put words in my mouth.”

When Sununu pressed Cooper and asked if he would “stop that process,” Cooper quickly clapped back.

“Don't be a d---,” he said.

The show panel continued debating the hot topics of the day, but as the segment was set to wrap, Cooper walked back the profanity-laced barb.

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“Before we go, I want to apologize,” Cooper told the former Republican governor. “I was mean, I was rude to you, and I never…”

“Are you kidding? I grew up with seven brothers and sisters, and I’m a Sununu,” he told Cooper, while chuckling. “I’m a former governor. Do you want to know what I’m normally called? It’s one of the nicest things I’ve been called all week – it’s great.”

“No, but I apologize. It's not… I don't know why I said that,” Cooper said.

Sununu jokingly added: “It keeps it spicy, keeps it hot. It’s post 8 o’clock have some fun on CNN.”

Earlier in the day freshman lawmaker Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-OR) caused a stir when she told a crowd at a D.C. rally: “I don't swear in public very well, but we have to f--- Trump!” She added: “Please don't tell my children that I just did that!”

Watch the clip below or at this link: