On Tuesday, a heated exchange unfolded in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump and CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. The clash occurred when Collins pressed the president with questions regarding the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. The occasion was a gathering of Republican lawmakers in the Oval Office for the signing of a bill to end the recent partial government shutdown. The topic of the Epstein files arose when another reporter inquired about Trump’s views on the scandal’s impact on former British Ambassador Peter Mandelson.

President Trump sidestepped the inquiry on U.K. affairs, pivoting back to the U.S. political landscape by asserting, “It’s really a Democrat problem, it’s not a Republican problem.” Collins then interjected, highlighting that the latest Epstein files included mentions of Elon Musk, a supporter of Trump’s reelection campaign, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Trump admitted he had not reviewed the documents, stating, “I have a lot of things I’m doing. A lot of things.” He expressed confidence in Musk and Lutnick, adding, “I’m sure they’re fine, I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise, there would have been major headlines.”

Collins also brought up concerns from Epstein’s survivors about the extensive redactions in the files, with the recent release containing approximately 3 million documents. Trump countered, noting he had heard that some people believed too much information had been disclosed. Addressing Collins, he remarked, “And you tell me something else,” before attempting to steer the conversation elsewhere. “I think it’s really time for the country to get onto something else,” Trump suggested. He dismissed any implications against him, saying, “Now that nothing came out about me – other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people.” He concluded by suggesting, “But I think it’s time now for the country to maybe get onto something else, like healthcare.”

Trump has been on a tear about Fire & Fury author Michael Wolff, suggesting that Epstein could be a ‘bullet’ and end the president’s 2016 campaign. When Collins piped back up and asked the president what he would say to survivors, the back-and-forth turned personal. ‘You are the worst reporter,’ he told her. ‘CNN has no ratings because of people like you.’ ‘You know, she’s a young woman,’ he told the lawmakers beside him. ‘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,’ he then said to the CNN host.

Collins became a household name during Trump’s first term after covering the White House for the Tucker Carlson-founded Daily Caller before moving to the cable news channel. She shot back, ‘Well, I’m asking you about survivors of Epstein.’ ‘You know why you’re not smiling?’ Trump replied. ‘Because you know you’re not telling the truth and you’re a very dishonest organization and they should be ashamed of you.’ Collins got the last word. ‘These are survivors of [an abuser,]’ the journalist said. Trump ignored her and turned to another reporter’s question.