Tensions escalated during a CNN panel discussion on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as “Shark Tank” personality Kevin O’Leary was admonished by political analyst Angela Rye for touching her amid a contentious debate about Elon Musk’s political donations to Republican lawmakers.
The incident unfolded on “CNN NewsNight,” where O’Leary and Rye, who previously served as executive director and general counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus, clashed over the ethics of Musk’s contributions to Republican members of Congress advocating for the impeachment of federal judges who have obstructed President Trump’s initiatives.
During the heated exchange, O’Leary reportedly touched Rye off-camera, leading her to promptly set boundaries. “You don’t have to touch me,” Rye stated firmly.
O’Leary responded by saying he “did that nicely,” in a subdued tone.
Rye quickly reaffirmed her stance: “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 event triggered social media discussions, with some viewers criticizing O’Leary’s actions as a “control tactic” to suppress Rye, while others argued Rye’s reaction was disproportionate to the situation.
The touching incident transpired amid a heated discussion about Elon Musk’s latest political donations. Musk has contributed $6,600 – the maximum legal individual donation – to seven Republican members of Congress supporting the impeachment of federal judges or actions against those halting certain Trump administration policies.
Host Abby Phillip initiated the discussion by inquiring if these donations could be viewed as lobbying. As O’Leary and Rye interrupted each other, the debate intensified, with Rye asserting that Musk’s donations crossed legal boundaries.
“He [Musk] literally says thank you to the members who introduce articles of impeachment,” Rye declared during the exchange. “That is an exchange of value. That is a violation.”
O’Leary defended political fundraising as a long-standing American political practice. “The oldest profession on Earth is not prostitution — it’s politicians raising money,” he remarked. “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 given 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 judges or advocated actions against them for rulings that impeded Trump administration policies.
The donations followed several court decisions blocking Trump administration efforts, including attempts to end birthright citizenship, halt 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 been outspoken about supporting these impeachment efforts, claiming there is “extreme abuse of the legal system by activists pretending to be judges.” His super PAC is reportedly concentrating on down-ballot races in the 2024 election cycle.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has addressed the issue, stating that impeachment is not an appropriate response to judicial disagreements. Roberts emphasized that the standard appellate review process exists to challenge court rulings.
Legal experts have voiced concerns that the Trump administration has started disregarding federal court orders, which they warn could lead to a broader constitutional crisis if continued.
The confrontation between O’Leary and Rye underscores the increasingly polarized nature of political discussions on news programs, particularly when addressing high-profile figures like Musk and their impact on American politics.
While some Republicans have supported impeaching judges who oppose the administration’s policies, there are divisions within the party. An anonymous House Republican was quoted as saying they do not support impeaching a sitting judge solely based on disagreement with a decision.
Musk’s political spending has surged significantly this election cycle. Reports indicate he has spent nearly $300 million on the 2024 election, with a focus on down-ballot races rather than presidential campaigns.
The touching incident between O’Leary and Rye highlights both the emotional intensity that can arise during political debates and the necessity of respecting personal boundaries, even in televised discussions.
