Who Is Ryan Girdusky? CNN Panelist’s’ ‘Beeper’ Comment Sparks Fury

There is currently an uproar over Ryan Girdusky telling a Muslim journalist: “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.” Here is everything you need to know about who that political commentator is.

Girdusky was a guest on CNN anchor Abby Phillip’s show on Monday, when he ended up in a heated debate with Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan about controversial jokes made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump‘s rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, which many have labeled racist.

During the argument, Girdusky said to Hasan, who is has long been a critic of Israel: “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.”

Who Is Ryan Girdusky?

Girdusky, who is from New York, is a conservative political commentator and writer who co-authored the 2020 book They’re Not Listening: How the Elites Created the National Populist Revolution, which is about how “cosmopolitan elites across the globe are ignoring the will of the people—pushing disgruntled voters into the arms of national-populist parties and politicians.”

He also founded the 1776 Project PAC, which supports school board candidates who oppose progressive curricula, such as teaching Critical Race Theory and gender theory.

Girdusky wrote on the website: “Progressive activists within our public education system were using their positions to indoctrinate children. Even conservative communities in red states were not immune from this growing epidemic.”

Did Ryan Girdusky write for Richard Spencer?

Some people have linked Girdusky to far-right, nationalist figure Richard Spencer, who has been credited with creating the term “alt-right.” He was described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a “suit-and-tie version of the white supremacists of old, a kind of professional racist in khakis.”

Liberal content creator Amanda (@npturtlesoup17), who describes herself as a “known leftist troll,” posted: “From writing for Richard Spencer to appearing on CNN! What a glow-up for Ryan Girdusky!!! Congrats to all involved!”

Spencer himself then responded: “More than a decade ago, but yes.”

This post has been cited by several other people, including by Wajahat Ali, a Muslim-American commentator, who wrote in his Substack, The Left Hook: “If you invite a panelist on your cable news show who is defending racist jokes and previously wrote for Richard Spencer, an actual Nazi, then you shouldn’t be shocked when he uses your privileged platform to spout offensive racist hate against your guests.”

Newsweek has contacted Girdusky for a response, via direct message on X and via a 1776 Project PAC press inquiry form. Newsweek has also contacted Spencer, via direct message on X, for confirmation.

What Happened During the CNN Roundtable?

During the CNN roundtable, Girdusky said the media has called “everyone who attended” Trump’s rally “Hitler” and “a fascist.”

Hasan responded: “I get it, nobody wants to be called Nazis. It’s very inflammatory, if you don’t want to be called Nazis, stop saying things.”

Girdusky shot back toward Hasan: “You’ve been called an antisemite more than anyone at this table,” to which Hasan said, “I’m in support of the Palestinians, I’m used to it.” It was during Girdusky’s reply to this that he said: “Yeah, well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.”

The backlash was instant from the others at the roundtable and Girdusky apologized, arguing that he thought Hasan had said he supported Hamas. Both Girdusky and Hasan had left the discussion by the time the commercial break ended.

CNN has since apologized for the comment, saying there is “zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air” and that Girdusky “will not be welcomed back at our network.”