President Donald Trump has once again launched a personal attack against CNN's White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins, this time deflecting questions about the recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents by complaining he never sees her smile. The confrontation occurred during an Oval Office briefing on Tuesday, where Collins pressed the President on the sensitive files that reference several high-profile associates.
Epstein Files Inquiry Sparks Heated Exchange
Collins directly questioned Trump about the latest tranche of Epstein documents, which include mentions of notable figures such as Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. The President admitted he had not thoroughly read through the files but expressed confidence that their inclusion was "fine," suggesting there would have been "major headlines" otherwise.
Trump Calls for Moving On
When Collins continued to push for answers, Trump insisted it was time for the nation to shift focus. "I think it's really time for the country to get onto something else, really," he stated, attempting to redirect the conversation away from the Epstein case. The reporter persisted, specifically asking about justice for the women victimised by Epstein's operation, which triggered a more aggressive response from the President.
Personal Criticism and Accusations
Trump's frustration quickly turned personal as he labelled Collins "the worst reporter" and launched into a rant about CNN's coverage. He then made a pointed remark about her demeanour, addressing the room before turning back to her: "You know she's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile." Trump elaborated, claiming, "I've known you for 10 years, I don't think I've ever seen a smile on your face."
Collins maintained her professional stance, responding, "Well I'm asking you about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, Mr President." Trump interrupted, speaking over her to suggest her lack of smiling indicated dishonesty: "you know you're not telling the truth." This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and certain media outlets, particularly around sensitive investigations.
Broader Implications for Media Relations
The incident underscores the challenging dynamic between the President and journalists covering the White House, especially when addressing controversial topics like the Epstein files. Trump's deflection strategy, shifting from substantive questions to personal critiques, reflects a pattern observed in previous interactions with the press. The released documents continue to generate significant public and media interest, ensuring this issue remains at the forefront of political discourse.
