On Tuesday, a tense exchange unfolded between President Donald Trump and CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins in the Oval Office. The confrontation arose when Collins pressed Trump about the victims of Jeffrey Epstein during a session initially convened to announce the signing of a bill that would end the recent partial government shutdown. The topic of Epstein emerged when another journalist questioned Trump about the ongoing repercussions faced by former British Ambassador Peter Mandelson due to his links to the scandal.

Trump sidestepped the query regarding the U.K. situation, redirecting the focus to domestic politics. He asserted, “It’s really a Democrat problem, it’s not a Republican problem.” Collins seized the opportunity to highlight the involvement of high-profile figures like Elon Musk, a contributor to Trump’s reelection efforts, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, both mentioned in the newly released Epstein documents. In response, Trump admitted to not having reviewed the files, stating, “I have a lot of things I’m doing. A lot of things.” He dismissed concerns, saying, “You mentioned two names. I’m sure they’re fine, I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise, there would have been major headlines.”

Collins further pointed out complaints from several Epstein survivors regarding the extensive redactions in the documents, which include approximately 3 million files. Trump countered by suggesting some people felt too much information had been disclosed. He then attempted to shift the conversation, telling Collins, “And you tell me something else.” Trump expressed a desire for the nation to move past the Epstein issue, claiming that the documents confirmed a conspiracy against him involving Epstein and others. He concluded, “I think it’s really time for the country to get onto something else,” suggesting a focus on issues like healthcare would be more beneficial.

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.