President Trump’s latest confrontation with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins has once again drawn attention to what critics describe as a long-standing pattern in how he treats female journalists.
The exchange took place during a White House press conference on Tuesday, where Trump was fielding questions on a range of issues, including the partial government shutdown, potential diplomatic talks involving Russia and Ukraine, and federal oversight of elections. Tensions rose when Collins redirected the discussion toward the Justice Department’s recent release of millions of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
Collins asked the president what he would say to people who believe justice has still not been served in the Epstein case. Trump attempted to interrupt her, suggesting she move on to topics like healthcare, before allowing her to continue. When she repeated the question this time referencing survivors Trump responded by sharply criticizing both Collins and CNN, dismissing her work and questioning the network’s credibility.
The incident quickly went viral and added to a growing list of controversial moments surrounding Trump’s public behavior, including renewed discussion of Trump’s recent health-related remarks and concerns raised by commentators about his cognitive state. Media analysts also noted similarities to other heated press exchanges involving Trump and reporters that have surfaced in recent weeks.
During the exchange, Trump made a remark about Collins needing to “smile,” a comment widely criticized for carrying sexist implications. Collins responded calmly, explaining that she was asking about survivors of sexual abuse, not engaging in a casual exchange. Trump brushed aside her explanation and accused her of dishonesty, again attacking CNN as an organization.
This was not the first time Trump has singled out Collins. In December, he lashed out at her on social media following her reporting on his proposed White House ballroom project, calling her “stupid and nasty.” That episode followed a familiar pattern seen in previous media blowups that dominated cable news coverage.
Collins is also far from the only female reporter to face such treatment. Last November, Trump insulted a Bloomberg journalist during a press gaggle on Air Force One while she attempted to ask about Epstein-related matters. Around the same time, he attacked New York Times reporter Katie Rogers after she co-authored an article examining Trump’s age and physical health, criticizing both her reporting and her appearance.
Taken together, these incidents have intensified debate about Trump’s relationship with the press and whether his confrontational approach especially toward women journalists undermines meaningful public discourse. While supporters often frame his behavior as media pushback, critics argue it distracts from substantive issues and raises broader concerns about respect, accountability, and press freedom.
Quiet, piggy.
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