CNN’s Abby Phillip fires ex-Trump aide for using sexist term during Matt Gaetz’s heated debate: ‘Don’t do that on my desk’

A former aide to President-elect Donald Trump was scolded on air by CNN anchor Abby Phillip for referring to a female co-panelist as “sweetheart” during a controversial discussion about Matt Gaetz.

Bruce LeVell, a GOP official who served as executive director of the National Diversity Coalition during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, appeared on Wednesday’s edition of CNN’s “News Night with Abby Phillip” along with several co-panelists , including Julie Roginsky, a Democratic Party strategist.

The panel members were discussing Trump’s decision to nominate former Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general in light of allegations that the former Florida lawmaker engaged in sexual conduct with a minor.

Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration for the attorney general post, has denied the allegations and no charges have been filed by the Justice Department.

During the discussion, LeVell noted that Gaetz was never charged with sex trafficking because the investigation found “there was nothing there.”

Roginsky argued that the alleged crime did not happen, saying, “They said they didn’t have enough to sue — that shouldn’t be the standard.”

LeVell then replied, “No, to load, dear.” The “dear” comment caused a stir as Roginsky was visibly taken aback.

“Honey? Excuse me? Well, thanks for the misogyny, – replied Roginsky.

Phillip then stopped the discussion to clearly admonish LeVell, saying, “I’m just going to stop it right here because we’re not going to get off on the wrong foot.”

“Please don’t address a grown woman as a girlfriend in a condescending tone, don’t do it at my table,” Phillip said.

LeVell appeared humbled by Philip’s reprimand, saying “OK” before the panel continued its discussion.

Gaetz was once involved in a sex-trafficking investigation by the Justice Department. He has also been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over allegations involving sexual misconduct.

That investigation ended Wednesday, however, when Gaetz resigned from Congress.

Gaetz, a staunch defender of Trump, has spent years embroiled in scandals that dogged his confirmation by the Republican-led Senate.

Gaetz has strongly denied any wrongdoing and said last year that the Justice Department’s investigation into allegations of sex trafficking involving underage girls had ended without any federal charges against him.

The Post has sought comment from CNN, LeVell and Roginsky.

By postal wire