“Worst Reporter”: Trump Explodes At CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Over Epstein Files Question
President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins during a tense exchange with reporters on Tuesday, sharply criticising her questions and launching a personal attack that quickly went viral.
The confrontation took place after Trump signed legislation to end the partial government shutdown that began over the weekend.
While taking questions, the president abruptly called on Collins, asking, “Yeah, what do you want?”
Collins questioned Trump about the Department of Justice’s latest release of files related to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019.
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She specifically asked whether Trump had reviewed the newly published documents, which include references to figures such as Elon Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Trump responded dismissively, saying he had not read the files and had “a lot of things” going on. He added that if there was anything serious in the documents, it would already be making “major headlines.”s
Collins then raised concerns voiced by Epstein survivors, many of whom are unhappy with the extent of redactions in the released files.
While the DOJ was legally required to redact only victims’ names, large portions of witness interviews were blacked out, and some sensitive images reportedly appeared without sufficient redaction.
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When asked whether there should be greater transparency, Trump brushed off the concern, saying it was time for the country to “get on to something else,” such as healthcare. He also claimed the Epstein matter amounted to a conspiracy against him.
As Collins attempted to continue her question on behalf of survivors, Trump cut her off and launched a harsh verbal attack.
“You are so bad. You are the worst reporter,” Trump said. He went on to claim CNN’s low ratings were “because of people like you” and made personal remarks about Collins, saying he had never seen her smile.
When Collins tried to reiterate that she was asking about Epstein survivors, Trump doubled down, accusing her of dishonesty and calling CNN a “very dishonest organisation.”
Trump then moved on to another reporter. Shortly afterwards, aides ushered the press out of the room. Even as reporters were leaving, Trump was reportedly still complaining about Collins.