Trump bashes Kaitlan Collins as ‘worst reporter’ for badgering him over Epstein questions

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during a tense press conference, calling her the “worst reporter” and accusing her of hurting the network’s ratings.

He also scolded Collins for not smiling enough while questioning him. The confrontation escalated as Trump grew frustrated with her persistent questions about Jeffrey Epstein. 

Trump snaps at Kaitlan Collins during press conference

The tense exchange between President Trump and CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins began as she pressed him with questions about Jeffrey Epstein. When Trump tried to end the confrontation, saying, “I think it’s time, now, for the country maybe to get on to something else,” Collins asked, “But what would you say to people who feel they haven’t gotten justice, Mr president?”

An irritated Trump shot back, “What did you say?” He then launched into a personal attack on Collins, whom he has repeatedly criticized during both of his terms. “What would say to people the survivors who feel that they haven’t gotten justice?” Collins asked again.

“You know, you are the worst reporter,” Trump said disdainfully. Turning to Republican lawmakers around his desk, he added, “She’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for ten years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face.”

Collins interjected, “Well, I’m asking you about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, Mr president.” Ignoring her response, Trump continued his tirade: “You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth. And you’re a very dishonest organization, and they should be ashamed of you.”

“These are survivors of a s*xual abuser,” Collins replied. Trump ended the exchange by turning to another reporter, who shifted the topic away from Epstein.

CNN defends Kaitlan Collins after Trump clash

Following the heated exchange between Trump and Collins, CNN issued a statement praising Collins.

“Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity,” the Warner Bros Discovery–owned network said. “She skillfully brings that reporting to the anchor chair and CNN platforms every day, which audiences around the world know they can trust.”

Later, on Jake Tapper’s 'The Lead', Collins took the high road in responding to Trump’s attack, calling the topic no “laughing matter.”

“Jake, this is something where the survivors here have been at the center of this, and they have been the people who have said they’re unhappy with what has come out of the Justice Department here so far,” Collins told Tapper live from the White House lawn. “I just spoke to one on Friday night who was saying that entire witness interviews with the FBI were redacted. The entire page was blacked out. And so these are real questions.”

“As the president says, it’s time to move on,” Collins continued, “but many people, including a lot of his own supporters, do not feel that way.”

She concluded with a pointed reminder of the MAGA divide over Epstein, Trump, and the controversy surrounding the treatment of young women in the one-time associates’ relationship.