Tensions erupted on a CNN panel on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, when Kevin O’Leary from “Shark Tank” was criticized by political analyst Angela Rye for touching her during a debate about Elon Musk’s political contributions to Republican lawmakers.
The interaction took place on “CNN NewsNight” as O’Leary and Rye, a former executive director and general counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus, debated the ethics of Musk’s donations to Republican members of Congress supporting the impeachment of federal judges who have opposed President Donald Trump’s actions.
During the discussion, O’Leary reportedly touched Rye off-camera, leading her to set clear boundaries. “You don’t have to touch me,” Rye firmly stated.
O’Leary responded that he “did that nicely,” speaking in a softer tone.
Rye reiterated her stance on 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 request.
The incident ignited discussion on social media, with some criticizing O’Leary’s behavior as a “control tactic” to silence Rye, while others perceived Rye’s reaction as excessive.
The touching occurred amid a heated debate on Elon Musk’s political donations. Musk has contributed $6,600— the maximum allowed by law— to seven Republican lawmakers who have supported impeaching federal judges or taking action against those blocking specific Trump administration policies.
Host Abby Phillip started the conversation by questioning whether these donations could be seen as lobbying. As O’Leary and Rye talked over each other, the discussion intensified, with Rye asserting that Musk’s contributions crossed a legal boundary.
“He [Musk] literally says thank you to the members who introduce articles of impeachment,” Rye declared during the debate. “That is an exchange of value. That is a violation.”
O’Leary defended political fundraising as an age-old practice 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.”
Reports indicate that Musk’s donations were directed to Representatives Eli Crane of Arizona, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, Brandon Gill of North Carolina, and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa. Some of these lawmakers have introduced articles of impeachment against specific judges or sought action against them for rulings that hindered Trump administration policies.
The donations followed several court decisions that obstructed Trump administration actions, including efforts to end birthright citizenship, halt foreign aid, and ban transgender individuals from military service. Recently, a federal judge required the administration to turn back planes carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members who were being deported.
Musk has been vocal about his support for these impeachment efforts, claiming there has been “extreme abuse of the legal system by activists pretending to be judges.” His super PAC is reportedly focusing on down-ballot races for the 2024 election cycle.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts commented on the situation, stating that impeachment is not a suitable response to disagreements with judicial decisions. Roberts stressed that the standard appellate review process exists to challenge court rulings.
Legal experts have raised concerns that the Trump administration has already begun to ignore federal court orders, cautioning that this could escalate into a larger constitutional crisis if it continues.
The clash between O’Leary and Rye underscores the increasingly contentious nature of political discourse on news platforms, particularly when discussing the actions of prominent figures like Musk and their impact on American politics.
While some Republicans have supported the idea of impeaching judges who make rulings against the administration’s policies, there are divisions within the party. One anonymous House Republican reportedly stated they do not support impeaching a judge solely due to disagreement with a decision.
Musk’s political spending has seen a significant increase in this election cycle. Reports suggest he has spent nearly $300 million on the 2024 election, shifting his focus to down-ballot races rather than presidential campaigns.
The interaction between O’Leary and Rye highlights the emotional intensity that can arise during political debates and the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even in heated televised discussions.