A heated exchange unfolded on CNN between commentator Scott Jennings and anchor Abby Phillip regarding foreign business dealings. Jennings challenged Phillip's criticism of Elon Musk's international ventures, arguing that the Biden family's overseas activities warrant greater scrutiny.

During Monday's "CNN NewsNight," Jennings dismissed Phillip's concerns about Musk's foreign business dealings, shifting the focus to the Biden family's interactions with Chinese political figures. He referenced recently surfaced photographs of Joe and Hunter Biden meeting with Chinese leaders, images that previously were said not to exist.

These photographs, showing then-Vice President Biden introducing his son Hunter to Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials, have intensified allegations that Hunter Biden leveraged his father's position for personal gain in his international business dealings. President Biden has consistently denied any involvement in his son's overseas business affairs.

Phillip initiated the discussion by highlighting news reports about Musk's business interactions with the Chinese government related to Tesla's manufacturing and sales, along with Musk's past praise of the Chinese Communist Party and reported conversations with Vladimir Putin.

Jennings countered that Musk's businesses create tangible products of value, unlike the Biden family's dealings. He emphasized that while Musk's ventures in electric vehicles, space exploration, and internet technology benefit the United States, the Biden family's activities raise concerns, particularly given their involvement in China.

VP Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, China President Xi Jinping, former US China Ambassador Max Baucus (America First Legal)

Phillip retorted that the central issue wasn't Musk's business success but rather whether his interests clashed with U.S. national security. Jennings reiterated his stance, asserting that Musk's technological advancements are advantageous for the country and its security.

Elon Musk listens as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump addresses a House Republicans Conference meeting at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

He firmly rejected the notion that having a businessman like Musk is detrimental to the United States.