Donald Trump Tells CNN’s Kaitlan Collins She Has ‘Hatred in Her Eyes’: ‘I Never See a Smile’

In a recent press briefing, President Donald Trump directed sharp criticism towards CNN’s chief White House correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, alleging that she exhibited “hatred in her eyes” during his address. This comment emerged following the signing of a new executive order on 3 June. The exchange has reignited discussions surrounding Trump’s contentious relationship with the media and particularly his interactions with female reporters.

The president’s remarks came as he was questioned about his decision to withdraw funding for an anti-weaponisation initiative. During this discourse, Trump made sweeping accusations against former President Barack Obama and his administration, suggesting they had severely compromised the lives of individuals who had faced federal investigations or convictions tied to alleged affiliations with Trump. He further accused CNN of being a “corrupt organisation” while targeting Collins specifically, undermining her professional integrity as a journalist.

Trump’s criticism of Collins was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of confrontations he has had with her in the White House press room. Previous instances have seen him scrutinise her demeanour, alleging that she never smiles. During the latest press briefing, he berated, “She never… a young beautiful woman [who] never smiles. I never see a smile off her face. I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes,” as he gestured towards Collins. Trump’s remarks insinuated that her reported stance arose from his administration’s accomplishments, including immigration policies and tax cuts.

While the president provided minimal clarification on the future of the anti-weaponisation fund—initially slated to compensate individuals he claims have been unfairly targeted by previous administrations—he indicated that its future was uncertain, mentioning he would consult lawyers for more information. During the briefing, Trump dismissed a contributor attempting to interject, insisting, “Wait a minute, be quiet,” before directing further remarks at Collins—a move that underlined the combative atmosphere often present in such press conferences.

Collins, who previously worked for the conservative media platform The Daily Caller, later responded to Trump’s claims by quipping, “I’m still from Alabama,” effectively challenging his assertion regarding her journalistic credibility. Earlier, in an interview with Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live,” Collins expressed the need for reporters to focus on their subjects rather than making interactions personal, demonstrating a commitment to her role despite facing consistent belittlement from the President.

This latest clash continues a trend wherein Trump has made disparaging remarks about female journalists. In February, he previously reprimanded Collins for not smiling enough, which has raised concerns regarding his treatment of women in the press. The president has a history of vocalising his frustration with journalists who pose challenging questions, often labelling them as “fake news” and accusing them of bias.

The tone of this relationship has provoked discussions around sexism in journalism, particularly in how female reporters are treated compared to their male counterparts. Collins has frequently been at the centre of scrutiny, not just from Trump, but also from wider societal perceptions about women who report on powerful figures.

Reflecting on her experiences, Collins has noted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the high-pressure environment of the White House. She has indicated that, while reporters are human and carry emotions, the focus should remain on accurate reporting and holding power to account. The ongoing adversities she encounters serve as a reflection of both her resilience and the broader challenges faced by women in media.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the dynamic between President Trump and the media will likely remain a focal point. The significance of how leaders engage with the press, especially with female reporters, will undoubtedly impact public perception and the ongoing discourse surrounding media credibility and representation.