President Donald Trump has yet again taken a personal shot at a female journalist in an uncomfortable exchange at the White House. Now, the CNN anchor targeted by Trump’s latest insult is clapping back at the president as he tries to push Americans to “move on” from the lingering Epstein scandal.
Trump attacks CNN journalist for not smiling while asking about Epstein survivors
The unusual exchange between Trump and journalist Kaitlan Collins occurred on Tuesday during an Oval Office appearance by Trump in front of reporters. Continuing a series of questions about the Epstein files, with Trump saying that the country should “get on to something else,” Collins began to ask, “What would you say to survivors…?” before Trump cut her off. Rather than respond to the question, Trump instead began to insult Collins and her network.
“You are so bad. You know, you are the worst reporter. No wonder… CNN has no ratings because of people like you,” Trump proclaimed to the crowd of journalists.
Trump then commented on Collins’ appearance.
“She’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile,” Trump said. “I’ve known you for 10 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face,” he continued before interrupting her follow-up attempt to ask about Epstein survivors, again insulting her and CNN.
“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,” the president said. Collins later posted a split-screen video of the exchange, showing her maintain her composure as Trump continued to berate her for not smiling.
Collins and other journalists respond to Trump’s attacks and distractions
Collins has since responded to Trump’s attempts to shut down her questioning. On her CNN program, The Source with Kaitlan Collins, she noted that Trump “views things through the lens of how it affects him,” in explanation for his negative reaction to being questioned about Epstein. Collins’ guest, contributor Kara Swisher, said to Collins, “I think you really got under his skin,” explaining that this was why “he decided to take personal attacks on you, which were whatever; it was just ridiculous.”
As Blavity reported, Trump has launched personal attacks against multiple women journalists who’ve been critical of him or questioned him on controversial topics, including the Epstein files. Trump’s name has appeared in thousands of documents the Department of Justice released, highlighting his once close relationship with Epstein. Trump, who maintains he cut ties with Epstein years ago, said during Tuesday’s press conference that the country should “go on to something else” instead of the Epstein story.
Trump’s attacks against women journalists are drawing widespread criticism.
“How dare the Pres. of the US once again attacks a woman in the WH press corp — because @kaitlancollins doesn’t smile when talking about #Epstein survivors?” former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson posted on X, formerly Twitter, calling him “the disgrace for the way you treat other human beings.”
If Trump attempted to deflect attention away from the Epstein story by focusing on Collins’ appearance, his effort backfired. The exchange has instead brought greater focus to the Epstein story and to Trump’s treatment of people, particularly women, who try to hold him accountable.