'She never smiles': Trump compares Kaitlan Collins to trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney at WHCD

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump used his remarks at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) on Friday, July 24, to criticize several journalists and news organizations, especially CNN's anchor Kaitlan Collins, as he renewed broader attacks on the "fake news" media.

Speaking before journalists, administration officials, and invited guests, Trump congratulated Collins on receiving a White House Correspondents' Association award before questioning the reporting for which she was honored. He later expanded his criticism to other reporters and media outlets, arguing that coverage of his presidency has driven audience interest.

Trump singles out Kaitlan Collins during dinner remarks

Trump congratulated CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins on receiving a White House Correspondents' Association award right before criticizing both the recognition and her reporting.

"I want to personally congratulate CNN's Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award," the 80-year-old said, before adding, "It was all about me. It's a fake, she shouldn't get the award... But she's a young, attractive woman. She never smiles. I said, 'Kaitlan, do you ever smile? Smile!' You're at CNN fake news. You should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan! Just smile."

Trump then referenced Bud Light's marketing campaign featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, saying, "I thought Kaitlan had really made it big with a major new sponsorship. But then I informed her that it wasn't her on the Bud Light can, it was Dylan Mulvaney."

Continuing the remarks, the president also criticized the Bud Light partnership with Mulvaney, arguing it had financially hurt the brand. "Dylan Mulvaney cost Bud Light $35 billion in market cap... I wouldn't want to hire Dylan anytime soon," he said, referencing the backlash that followed the company's 2023 promotional campaign.

Following the remarks, a CNN spokesperson described Collins as "an exceptional, trusted journalist" and said the network stood behind her reporting and journalism.

Trump broadens criticism to media, says outlets depend on covering him

After his comments about Collins, Trump widened his criticism to the broader press corps, saying journalists had treated him unfairly over the years while arguing that news organizations rely on him for ratings and audience engagement.

Trump said the evening was "really all about the fake news media" and accused journalists of producing "made-up stories." He also claimed that media outlets would struggle without him as a political figure.

"When I'm gone, you're all going to be broke. Your business model is going to be finished... There's not going to be anybody to report on. Nobody gives a damn about anybody else," Trump said.

The president also criticized several individual journalists, referring to CNN anchor Jake Tapper as "Fake Tapper," calling former CNN host Don Lemon "the dumbest man on television," and commenting on Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, who was among the evening's award recipients.