Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) was mocked by conservative critics after making an announcement about joining CNN.
Kinzinger reacted to a tweet posted by CNN, saying, “Join us in welcoming [Adam Kinzinger] to CNN as a Senior Political Commentator. Welcome to CNN, Adam!”
The lawmaker replied, “Happy to join the team [CNN]!”
Happy to join the team @CNN! https://t.co/ypkns5pfEY
— Adam Kinzinger #fella (@AdamKinzinger) January 5, 2023
One user fired back, “Does this surprise anyone? He was making up fake news while in congress what better place to go than LOLCNN!”
Does this surprise anyone? He was making up fake news while in congress what better place to go than LOLCNN! https://t.co/hhJNz7O1mz
— Ringtail IFBAP! ????? (@Richard38081438) January 5, 2023
Another tweeted, “The apple falls not far from the tree even if it only keeps the worms alive.”
The apple falls not far from the tree
— riteyrite (@riteyriter) January 5, 2023
even if it only keeps the worms alive https://t.co/58VRZ2GoPe
A tweet mocking Kinzinger stated, “Breaking – communist crybaby joins state propaganda news with no viewers.”
Breaking – communist crybaby joins state propaganda news with no viewers. ??? https://t.co/jJCRM080EU
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) January 5, 2023
Check out more reactions below:
Traitor.
— Screwpulas (@Screwpulas) January 5, 2023
No Integrity.
Compromised? https://t.co/LAAfBmY7BR
Who saw that one coming? I had MSNBC. https://t.co/vQBaSmOaGt
— 2late2stop (@HearItDotCom) January 5, 2023
He's always been on the team. This is another version of politicians getting lobbying jobs. Now democrats have a job at CNN or MSNBC waiting for them. https://t.co/yeDMBKJjh4
— Mike Caccioppoli (@CaccioppoliMike) January 5, 2023
Try to imagine my astonishment. ? https://t.co/ltSytmp2Ad
— Dash Riprock ?? (@PhilMcCrackin44) January 5, 2023
Starting off 2023 on a very predictable note. https://t.co/b36f9ZlCQt
— Michael Seifert (@realmichaelseif) January 5, 2023
He'll be right a hone with the rest of the GOP haters… https://t.co/cZQP3HHVCq
— John R. Whitmer (@JohnRWhitmer) January 5, 2023
Baby Adam rewarded for his cowardice. https://t.co/VPBjbClADt
— Nick Searcy, INTERNATIONAL FILM & TELEVISION STAR (@yesnicksearcy) January 5, 2023
The announcement was made after Kinzinger’s term in Congress came to an end this week.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Kinzinger shared he would not be missing his job.
“I’m not going to miss the job. I’m glad I’m not going to be back. It gives me time to focus on broader things, bigger fights,” Kinzinger said.
He reflected on the criticism he has previously received throughout his career.
“I’ve had extended family that sent me letters telling me I was working on behalf of Satan. I mean that’s not something I could have imagined,” Kinzinger said.
He explained, “What that does to me is it reminds me of just how bad of a place we’ve gotten to. And you know everybody in their life, and I was no different when I was a young guy, you know, you always imagine a moment where you can stand alone and where you’re like the one person that — that can do the right thing in a crowd, right.”
Finally, Kinzinger declared he would not “have done anything different.”