CNN's Kaitlan Collins deletes controversial post promoting defense fund for Luigi Mangione after backlash

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN's Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins sparked controversy this week after posting a link on social media to a defense fund for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.

After facing heavy backlash online, Collins deleted the post and has not yet issued a public explanation for her actions.

Mangione, 26, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, stalking, and other state and federal charges, after allegedly gunning down Thompson in Manhattan on December 4, 2024.

Kaitlan Collins faces backlash after promoting defense fund for man accused of murder

Brian Thompson, a married father of two, was killed in cold blood, and Luigi Mangione’s arrest came days later after a multi-state manhunt. He was apprehended on December 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Following Mangione’s arrest, a defense fund was set up for him, with donations reportedly surpassing $300,000. On Friday, February 14, Collins shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) with a link to the defense website, the New York Post reported.

However, the post quickly drew criticism from users who questioned her decision to promote a fund for an individual accused of such a heinous crime.

Among the critics was 'The Spectator' contributing editor Stephen L Miller, who shared the deleted post and remarked, “Real bottom of the barrel stuff. Even for @kaitlancollins.” Miller also took issue with Collins’ decision to delete the post, writing, “Guess it wasn’t White House correspondent related.”

WMAL host Larry O’Connor also voiced his concerns, saying Collins “used her considerable platform to promote a link for the defense fund of a cold-blooded killer.” He added, “She has not yet apologized nor has she posted anything else in 24 hours.”

New York Times best-selling author Jack Poso also weighed in, writing on X, “CNN’s Kaitlan Collins promotes Luigi Mangione’s legal defense fund after Mangione [was] shown on video murdering a man in cold blood.”

As the backlash grew, some users on social media went so far as to suggest that Collins should lose her press credentials and access to the White House.

Netizens continue outrage after Kaitlan Collins deletes post

Though Kaitlan Collins deleted her controversial post promoting the defense fund for Luigi Mangione, the backlash from netizens has not subsided. Many continue to express their criticism online.

A user said, "BAN her from the Whitehouse. Anyone who hates America should not be allowed there."

Another added, "These aren’t reporter, they want to be celebrities and famous. It has nothing to do with journalism and never did for her or all the rest like her…"

One commentator remarked, "She shouldn't be allowed in the same room as POTUS anymore."

"She should not be permitted in the White House and lose her press credentials," someone else criticized.

A person stated, "Kaitlan Collins has to be full blown crazy for promoting a killer’s defense fund!"

A user chimed in, "What a horrible thing for her to promote."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.