President Donald Trump recently criticized CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins after she questioned him about the costs associated with his “much bigger and more beautiful” White House ballroom. Collins, who posed the question regarding the increased expenses for the ballroom—which is located on the site of the former East Wing—drew Trump’s ire.

The former president, who is 79, took to the social media platform Truth Social on Saturday morning to express his displeasure. He labeled Collins as “stupid and nasty” for her inquiry into why the construction price had risen from what was anticipated a year ago.

Trump responded to Collins’ question by explaining that the ballroom’s size had doubled, and the quality of the finishes and interiors had reached the highest standards. He emphasized that despite the changes, the project remains “actually under budget and ahead of schedule.”

He added confidently, “As my jobs always are,” suggesting that the ballroom’s grand scale and upgraded aesthetics exceeded the original plans. Trump’s comments underscore his ongoing contention with what he perceives as “Fake News” media outlets, maintaining his familiar stance against critical media coverage.

The Republican went on to say that it is ‘actually under budget and ahead of schedule.’ 

‘As my jobs always are,’ he said. ‘It’s just much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned.’ 

He also pointed out that the ballroom is being privately funded for $300million, up from the original estimated $200million. 

Among the 37 donors, many are tech giants, like Amazon and Google, and crypto bros. 

Trump called CNN’s Kaitlan Collins ‘stupid and nasty’ after she questioned him about the price increase for the White House ballroom 

It is unclear when Collins questioned him. However, she did bring up the ballroom on her show Friday

He criticized CNN for not pointing this out in their reporting, writing: ‘FAKE NEWS CNN, and the guy who runs the whole corrupt operation that owns it, is one of the worst in the business. 

‘Their ratings are so low that they’re not even counted or relevant anymore. MAGA!!!’ 

It’s unknown when Collins questioned the president about the budget increase. She did mention it on her CNN show, The Source with Kaitlan Collins Friday. 

‘You see that giant crane that is over my shoulder? That’s the latest addition to the construction zone here at the White House, where President Trump’s ballroom is going to go eventually,’ she said.  

The increase in the ballroom’s price comes after Trump replaced James McCrery II and his architecture firm back in late October. 

Behind the scenes, Trump and McCrery battled over the commander-in-chief’s desire to keep increasing the size of the new building, a source told The Washington Post. 

One source said Trump decided to replace the esteemed designer after McCrery’s firm repeatedly missed deadlines and its small workforce made progress difficult.

Trump’s ballroom, paid for by big tech donors including Amazon and Google, is described as 90,000 square feet in official announcements – significantly larger than the 55,000 square feet mansion residence section of the White House complex. 

The original cost of the ballroom project was $200 million, but it has since gone up to $300 million 

The East Wing of the White House had to be demolished for the ballroom to happen. Trump recently replaced James McCrery II and his architecture firm back in late October after they disagreed on things

It is unclear if McCrery stepped back voluntarily, but the president and him remain on good terms, a source told the outlet.

A CNN spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity. 

‘She skillfully brings that reporting to the anchor chair and CNN platforms every day, which audiences around the world know they can trust.’ 

CNN declined to directly comment on Trump’s post about Collins.  

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for further comment.