John Kennedy on Trump posting cell number: he ‘can go from zero to a-hole in about three seconds’

Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, criticized President Trump on NBC's Meet the Press for giving out the personal phone number of Sen. Tom Cotton. The disclosure was apparently payback for Cotton's refusal to support making Daylight Saving Time permanent. Kennedy said Trump should not have done it, and he described the president as someone who "can go from zero to a-hole in about three seconds." The interview aired on Oct. 4, 2026, according to NBC News.

Kennedy's appearance covered more ground. In other portions of the broadcast, he said he is weighing a run for president and treated the idea with some humor. He also argued that telling voters to disregard what their own checkbooks show will not work as a political message.

The conversation took place as the midterm elections draw near. Trump has been traveling to promote an economy that voters are not feeling. Other Meet the Press segments featured Rahm Emanuel, who said his party has a brand problem and should favor ethics reform over a second impeachment push, and Rep. Barrett, who promised action on costs.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →