In a recent online exchange, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins found herself in the crosshairs of former President Donald Trump after he lashed out in a post on Truth Social. The 33-year-old journalist responded on Instagram to Trump’s criticisms, which were sparked by her question regarding the White House ballroom. “Technically, my question was about Venezuela,” Collins clarified, sharing a screenshot of Trump’s post, where he labeled her as “stupid and nasty.”

Trump’s post accused Collins, whom he referred to as “Caitlin [sic] Collin’s of Fake News CNN,” of being “always stupid and nasty.” The former president explained that Collins had questioned him about the cost of the new ballroom, to which he replied that the increase was due to the venue being double the originally planned size, with upgraded quality in its finishes and interiors. According to Trump, the project is “actually under budget and ahead of schedule,” a claim he boasts is consistent with his track record of successful projects.

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. He criticized CNN for not pointing this out, adding: ‘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!!!’, the president signed off with.

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