Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump clashed with CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins on Thursday, delivering a sharp rebuttal that drew laughter from other journalists during a media session in the Oval Office.
Trump Dismisses CNN’s Credibility
The heated moment occurred when Collins interrupted Trump with a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin just as the US leader was addressing peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine war.
“I believe he wants peace. I believe that President Putin — when I spoke to him yesterday, I mean, I know him very well — yeah, I think he wants peace,” Trump responded before Collins interjected, asking:
“Do you trust President Putin?”
Without hesitation, Trump fired back:
“I know [Biden is] a friend of yours. He’s a friend of CNN. That’s why nobody watches CNN anymore. Because they have no credibility.”
Several people in the room chuckled at the remark, reinforcing Trump’s long-standing criticism of CNN’s reporting.
A History of Heated Exchanges
Collins, known for aggressive questioning, has frequently been on the receiving end of Trump’s sharp responses.
In a previous exchange last month, she pressed him about his claims that DEI policies may have contributed to the D.C. plane crash, asking:
“Does it comfort [the victims’] families to hear you blaming DEI policies?”
Trump dismissed the question, replying:
“I think that’s not a very smart question. I’m surprised, coming from you.”
Ongoing Feud with the Media
Trump’s latest remarks underscore his ongoing battle with mainstream media, particularly CNN, which he has frequently accused of bias and low ratings. The fiery exchange is another chapter in his contentious relationship with White House correspondents as he navigates foreign policy challenges and domestic political battles.
