Kinzinger, a leading critic of former President Trump, served on the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
He famously gave a tearful speech during one of the committee’s early hearings as he reflected on the events of Jan. 6, saying there’s a “difference” between “a crime — even grave crimes — and a coup.”
Kinzinger’s hiring at CNN comes on the heels of a time of tremendous change at the network, which, under new President Chris Licht, has made several programming and personnel moves that have garnered headlines and some criticism from liberals.
Licht has said he would like CNN’s programs and political coverage to take a more sober tone and represent a wider array of viewpoints.
Kinzinger served six terms in the House and served in the Air Force prior to that. He remains in the Air National Guard.
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