Trump posts video of CNN's Kaitlan Collins claiming DOJ banner shows ‘erased’ separation of powers

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump shared an unusual video clip on his social media accounts this weekend showing Kaitlan Collins of CNN discussing a large banner, featuring Trump’s face, now displayed at the Department of Justice entrance.

The video, which Trump reposted without a clear explanation, drew both attention and confusion as it underscored his ongoing combative relationship with the news network.

Video highlights banner at DOJ, Trump reshares

The video centers on a newly installed oversized Trump banner above the Justice Department’s doors.

Collins, reporting for CNN, said the display has caught attention in Washington and raised questions about the boundary between political leadership and an independent justice system.

“It’s almost impossible to miss the new banner bearing President Trump’s face that just went up here at the Justice Department,” Collins said in the video.

“If you’ve been in Washington in recent months, you’ve seen similar ones at the Department of Labor or the Department of Agriculture, for example, but this one seems to strike a different chord given it’s the Department of Justice,” he added.

Trump’s repost of the segment did not include additional commentary, but his choice of content was notable given his frequent criticisms of CNN as unfriendly or unfair in its coverage.

Donald Trump has criticized Kaitlan Collins repeatedly

Earlier this month, Trump called Collins “the worst reporter” who never smiles, after she asked a question about the victims of offender Jeffrey Epstein.

When Collins asked, “What would you say to the survivors–” Trump interrupted.

“You are so bad, you know? You are the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings, because of people like you. You know, she’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for 10 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face–”

Work crews previously hoisted the banner on the DOJ building using a cherry picker, and Collins said it “strikes a different chord” compared with other promotional displays she noted at federal agencies.

She framed it in the context of ongoing discussions about DOJ independence and prosecution decisions that have been politically charged in recent years.

Kaitlan Collins claims Trump admin has ‘erased’ separation line

In the video, Collins said, “Historically, administrations have tried to stress a level of independence between the West Wing and the White House and their Justice Department, arguing that politics doesn’t influence who is being prosecuted.”

“But it’s safe to say that line has been erased since President Trump has taken office in his second term,” she said. “We’ve seen him directly pressure the Attorney General to prosecute people who he perceives as his political enemies or people who have led prosecutions against him.”