President Trump delivered a blistering attack on CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during today’s Oval Office appearance, describing her as “a young, beautiful woman” who “never smiles” and allegedly carries “hatred in her eyes.”
The president directed further criticism at Collins after she attempted to interrupt him, telling her: “Be quiet. You should be ashamed of yourself.” He also noted that Collins had previously been a conservative from Alabama before transitioning to CNN.
This incident follows Trump’s history of public criticism toward Collins. In February, he questioned why she never smiled during an interview, and in December he labeled her “stupid and nasty” when she asked about White House construction — though Collins later clarified her question pertained to Venezuela.
CNN has characterized Collins as an “exceptional journalist,” emphasizing her “real depth and tenacity” in reporting from the White House and the field.
The president’s remarks mark yet another instance of his pattern of targeting female reporters, including calling a Bloomberg reporter “Quiet, piggy” and a New York Times journalist “ugly, both inside and out.”