President Trump criticised a CNN reporter instead of answering questions on the Epstein files in the Oval Office, focusing remarks on her demeanour and CNN’s credibility
President Donald Trump came under scrutiny after an exchange with CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during an Oval Office event on Tuesday, when she pressed him about the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. Instead of directly answering her questions, he criticised her demeanour and her network.
The interaction began as Collins asked whether Trump had reviewed the latest tranche of documents related to convicted sex offender
Epstein, which were released by the US Department of Justice late last week. The files include references to prominent figures and have drawn attention for their redactions and indications that some survivors of abuse remain unhappy with the level of detail disclosed.
Trump acknowledged he had not read the documents, saying: “No. I have a lot of things I’m doing. I don’t know. You mentioned two names. I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise there would have been major headlines.”
Watch the video here:
👀WATCH: Donald Trump dodges a question from Kaitlan Collins, saying Collins “never smiles.”
pic.twitter.com/V2V0dL1c2J— Regulator🇺🇸 (@Revolutioig9) February 3, 2026
When Collins followed up by citing discontent among survivors over heavy redactions, Trump deflected and suggested the country should move on to other issues. “I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else,” he said. “Like healthcare or something that people care about.”
The exchange quickly turned personal. Trump repeatedly criticised Collins’ reporting and demeanour, saying: “You are so bad. You are the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for ten years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face.”
Collins attempted to steer the conversation back to the survivors of Epstein’s abuses, saying, “Well I’m asking you about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, Mr President.”
Rather than directly respond to her question, Trump continued to assail Collins and her network, asserting she was not telling the truth and that CNN was a “very dishonest organisation.”
As the briefing concluded, Trump could be heard reiterating his complaints about her seating and demeanour to Republican lawmakers nearby, again remarking on her lack of a smile.
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