President Donald Trump unloaded on CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during a tense Oval Office exchange Wednesday, accusing both the reporter and her network of mistreating conservatives and spreading misleading coverage. The confrontation quickly went viral after Trump repeatedly interrupted Collins and delivered a series of personal and professional criticisms.
The clash began after Collins questioned the president about a proposed Justice Department compensation fund tied to what Trump and his allies have described as the “weaponization” of government against political opponents. Trump responded by defending the proposal and turning his attention directly toward the CNN reporter.
“People like you, CNN have abused our people!” he told Collins.
“I thought that was the greatest thing because people like you have abused our people so badly,” Trump said. When Collins attempted to interject, the president cut her off, telling her to “be quiet” and adding that she “should be ashamed” of herself.
Trump then referenced Collins’ background, noting that she previously worked for the conservative-leaning Daily Caller before joining CNN.
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“She used to be a conservative from Alabama. Can you believe it?” Trump remarked.
Collins quickly responded, “Still from Alabama.”
The president continued his criticism of CNN, accusing the network of engaging in false reporting. Trump also referenced recent changes in CNN’s corporate ownership structure before delivering one of the most widely shared lines from the exchange.
“CNN, in particular, does such false reporting. But now they have new ownership, so maybe it’ll straighten it out. I doubt it. It’s hard to straighten garbage out,” Trump said.
The verbal sparring did not end there. Trump later described CNN as a “very corrupt organization” and took additional shots at Collins personally, saying he had “never” seen her smile and claiming there was “such hatred” in her eyes.
CNN defended its star anchor following the exchange. A network spokesperson called Collins “an exceptional journalist” whose reporting is trusted by audiences around the world per The Post.
The confrontation is the latest chapter in Trump and Collins’ long-running feud. The two have sparred repeatedly during both Trump administrations, with the president frequently targeting the CNN correspondent during press events and televised town halls.
