Trump attacks Kaitlan Collins during press exchange, says she 'never smiles'
-CNN
President Donald Trump sharply criticized CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins during a White House press exchange on Tuesday, calling her “the worst reporter” and repeatedly attacking her personally after she pressed him on newly released Department of Justice files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The confrontation occurred after Trump signed legislation ending a brief partial government shutdown and opened the floor to reporters’ questions. When Collins was called on, she asked whether Trump had reviewed the latest batch of Epstein-related documents released by the DOJ, which include references to several high-profile figures.
Trump said he had not read the files, citing other priorities. “I have a lot of things I’m doing,” he said, dismissing the names Collins mentioned and suggesting they would have already made headlines if there were serious issues.
Collins then raised concerns voiced by Epstein survivors, many of whom have expressed frustration over extensive redactions in the documents. Although the DOJ was required to redact victims’ names, entire witness interviews and other information were blacked out, while some explicit images were reportedly released without redaction.
When Collins asked whether greater transparency was warranted, Trump grew visibly irritated and attempted to steer the discussion away from Epstein. He argued the country should move on to issues such as healthcare and claimed the documents contained nothing damaging to him.
As Collins tried to follow up, Trump cut her off and launched into a personal attack.
“You are the worst reporter,” he said, accusing CNN of having poor ratings because of journalists like her. He also remarked on her demeanor, saying he had never seen her smile and suggesting she was dishonest.
Collins attempted to return the focus to the survivors, but Trump continued his criticism before moving on to another reporter. After the exchange ended and reporters were ushered out, Trump was overheard still complaining about Collins, telling Sen. John Barrasso, “She never smiles.”
🚨DONALD TRUMP MELTS DOWN AT KAITLAN COLLINS
BREAKING: Trump absolutely lost it when CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins asked him an Epstein related question. An innocent person doesn’t act like this:
TRUMP: “You are the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings because of people… pic.twitter.com/ISgk4slGOpCNN defended Collins in a statement to Mediaite, praising her reporting and professionalism.
“Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity,” a CNN spokesperson said. “Audiences around the world know they can trust her work.”