Trump Criticizes CNN’s Kaitlan Collins: A Closer Look at Their On-Air Tension

During an intense Oval Office encounter, Donald Trump directed a personal jab at CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, reigniting their famously contentious dynamic. Before Collins could pose her question about his proposed $1.8 billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ Trump criticized the 34-year-old host. “CNN is extremely corrupt, with a dishonest reporter right there who never smiles,” Trump remarked, targeting Collins. “She’s young and attractive but never shows a smile; instead, I always see hatred in her eyes.” This fund, emerging from Trump’s recent $10 billion settlement with the IRS over leaked tax returns, was intended to aid those affected by government overreach, including January 6 Capitol rioters. It sparked bipartisan outrage, with many dismissing it as a ‘slush fund’ for Trump loyalists. A US district judge recently halted any further actions regarding the fund, and Trump’s acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed Congress that the initiative would no longer proceed.

Blanche was firm in his statement to the House Appropriations Committee, “We are not moving forward with the fund. Period.” Following this declaration, Trump notably refrained from commenting on the matter. When Collins inquired whether the DOJ’s $1.8 billion fund was terminated or merely paused, Trump replied, “I’d have to ask the lawyers. I don’t know. The weaponization fund, as far as I’m concerned, was a beautiful thing.”

Trump then launched into a broader critique of Collins and her network. “People like you have mistreated our people so severely. The fake news, like CNN and the New York Times, have abused our people,” he asserted. Although Collins attempted to respond, Trump continued to speak over her. “Wait a minute, be quiet. You’ve mistreated our people so badly, and you should be ashamed. You used to be a conservative, from Alabama, can you believe it?”

‘CNN does such false reporting, but now they have new ownership, so maybe it’ll straighten it out. I doubt it, but it’s hard to straighten garbage out.’ The President then began talking about the speech he gave on January 6, 2021, before the crowd marched over to the Capitol, where many would later break in and clash with police. He claimed that the ‘tremendous crowd’ went to the Capitol ‘with love.’

He added that these ‘great people’ were ‘destroyed’ in the aftermath, many of them committing suicide because of the fallout. ‘It was the most amazing thing. People were crying, they were like…,’ Trump stated before Collins attempted a follow-up question. ‘Wait a minute, let me finish, let me finish, let me finish,’ Trump talked over Collins. He ended the question by insulting Collins: ‘There’s something wrong with you.’ Trump and Collins have a history of fiery back-and-forths since the CNN host took over for ex-CNN personality Jim Acosta, who also got in vicious spats with the President during his first term.

Starting with CNN’s White House team in 2017, Collins quickly began asking tough questions of the administration. After years of her reporting, Trump began lashing out at her as he did at Acosta, who he called ‘the most unprofessional individual.’ The friction continued into his return to the campaign trail, and in May 2023, during a CNN town hall in New Hampshire, Trump called Collins a ‘nasty person.’ During his second term, the clashes have continued. In December 2025, the President took to social media to ridicule the CNN host. In February, Trump again publicly criticised her for ‘not smiling enough.’ CNN and many members of the press have continually defended her against the President’s constant attacks.