CNN analyst Asha Rangappa said President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE "has 99 problems" and "Smollett isn't one of them," channeling a popular hit from rapper Jay-Z during a segment on the cable news network on Friday.

The comment comes after 16 felony charges against Smollett were dropped by prosecutors on Tuesday, sparking controversy.

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The 36-year-old actor and activist had been charged for allegedly filing a false report after he informed Chicago police he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in January.

Trump weighed in on Thursday, calling the case "outrageous" in a tweet and saying the Department of Justice and FBI will review the case.

Trump's comments have prompted debate as to whether the president should be involved.

Rangappa was asked on Friday by a CNN anchor about her views on Trump's comments and whether it was "realistic" to expect the involvement of federal authorities.



"With regard to the president, the president has 99 problems, as they say, and I would think that Smollett isn’t one of them," Rangappa replied in an ode to Jay-Z's "99 problems" hit from 2004.

Rangappa then detailed aspects of the case, before noting the tweet could help Smollett.



"So the problem with the President commenting on it is that if that is actually what is happening, he is now helping the defense," Rangappa concluded. "Because if I were a defense lawyer, I would argue my client cannot get a fair trial. The President has tweeted out to 30 million people that he is basically guilty."

Trump also broached the Smollett case during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Thursday night.

"How about in Chicago? He said he was attacked by MAGA country," You ever hear that one? Maybe the only time I have ever agreed with the mayor of Chicago. That's an embarrassment to our country, what took place there."