In a recent episode of the “Absolutely Not” podcast hosted by Heather McMahan, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins shared an intriguing moment from her time covering President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. During this trip, Collins encountered challenges familiar to journalists working in countries with restricted press freedoms.
Recounting the experience, Collins highlighted the tense atmosphere in Saudi Arabia, a nation known for its stringent media regulations. While attending a press event, Collins took the opportunity to pose a question to President Trump. “He didn’t respond, which is often the case,” Collins noted. “Journalists shout questions, and it’s up to the leaders whether they choose to reply. It’s a normal part of our job.”
However, the situation took a turn when the Saudi Royal Guard reacted strongly to Collins’ attempt to engage Trump. Unaccustomed to such direct questioning, they quickly intervened and attempted to prevent her from attending the subsequent press event.
As tensions escalated, Collins found herself facing the prospect of exclusion. “I noticed them whispering and pointing at me,” she recalled. The situation seemed uncertain, with some younger White House staff unsure of how to proceed.
It was at this crucial juncture that Karoline Leavitt, a White House press secretary, stepped in. Demonstrating support for journalistic freedom, Leavitt insisted, “No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the US press.” Her decisive intervention ensured that Collins could carry out her duties without further incident, averting what could have escalated into a larger confrontation.
“I could see them like, whispering, and pointing about me,” Collins said. “And some of the younger White House staff, they are with the press, weren’t really sure what to do, and they went to Karoline and, to her credit, she said, ‘No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the US press,’ and we went in. And, so, it didn’t become this huge issue.
“So, to her credit, she, without a doubt, was like, ‘No, you’re coming in,’” Collins said of Leavitt. “Which I do think is important in that moment, especially when you’re kind of the US contingent abroad, and we don’t do things like they do in Saudi Arabia.”
The White House did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Collins said a similar incident occurred in the previous Trump administration when the president visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Collins has frequently clashed with Trump while covering the White House.
Trump has called her “stupid and nasty” and criticized her during a recent Oval Office exchange for not smiling.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face,” he told her earlier this month.
Trump often criticizes the press and has threatened lawsuits.
However, Collins said during an October podcast that Trump has actually “embraced” the media in ways other presidents have not.
Though she’s only covered two presidents as a White House correspondent, Collins said even veteran reporters have noted Trump changed the media dynamic.
“When you speak to reporters who covered President Obama, he almost never responded to shouted questions,” Collins said at the time. “It wasn’t his thing. He would have his moments with world leaders, and then you would leave the Oval.
“Trump kind of upended that when he came into the White House,” she said. “Sometimes presidents are press averse. Trump embraced the media.”
