CNN’s Abby Phillip offered rare praise for President Donald Trump on Thursday, noting that he presented “good optics” to the American public, demonstrating that he was fulfilling the promises he made on the campaign trail. Other panelists on the broadcast agreed with her, emphasizing that Trump and his administration excel at using visuals to connect with the American people, especially in the context of their handling of the U.S.-Mexico border situation.
Phillip argued that photos of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents apprehending illegal migrants, particularly violent criminals, reinforce his campaign messages and promises. She said: “Here’s the thing. Whether you support Trump or you don’t, the imagery projects promises made, promises kept on immigration. Even the liberals understand and believe that Trump is carrying out that promise, and part of it is the way he is doing it, using military airplanes, doing it on camera, taking Dr. Phil along with him.”
Phillip then told fellow panelist and former Harris campaign senior adviser Adrienne Elrod that former President Joe Biden could have benefited from using similar optics during his time in office. Elrod agreed, suggesting that Democrats should consider emulating the Jan. 6 Committee’s use of visual aids to “capture the attention” of swing voters and independents.
“I think the reason the optics are working so well for President Trump is just because of what Abby said, he made all of these promises, whether you like them or not. This is what he promised to voters on the campaign trail throughout this cycle, he’s doing exactly what he said he’d do and not only is he doing it, he’s doing it at a speed that I don’t think a lot of Republicans expected,” former Republican National Committee spokesperson Madison Gesiotto remarked during the segment.
CNN panel forced to admit that the “optics” surrounding Trump’s first couple weeks in office have been good as it looks like he’s fulfilling campaign promises.
Hint: The optics are good because he IS fulfilling campaign promises. pic.twitter.com/iYXpoRHoWW
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) February 7, 2025
While campaigning for the White House in 2024, Trump pledged to the American people that he would carry out the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, reduce the size of the federal government, eliminate DEI policies, end birthright citizenship, and address many other key issues. Since being sworn in, ICE agents have been conducting mass arrests across the nation, including in sanctuary states, targeting illegal migrants with serious criminal records. DEI programs are being dismantled, Trump has barred federal funds from going to schools that allow biological men to compete in women’s sports, and he’s been moving on reducing the size of government.
