President Trump sharply criticized CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins during an Oval Office exchange, calling her the network’s “worst reporter” and questioning why she never smiles while covering serious news topics.

Heated Exchange Over Epstein Files Coverage

The confrontation erupted when Collins questioned Trump about the victim’s concerns regarding redactions in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. Collins noted that survivors of Epstein’s abuse expressed frustration with heavily blacked-out witness interviews and lack of transparency from the Justice Department. Trump dismissed the line of questioning, arguing that victims had complained about both too much and too little information being released.

Kaitlan Collins airs split-screen footage showing her remaining composed as Trump snaps at her for asking about Epstein. pic.twitter.com/YoMbKwq6LL

— Acyn (@Acyn) February 4, 2026

“CNN has no ratings because of people like you,” Trump told Collins during the tense moment. “You know, she’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for 10 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile, because you know you’re not telling the truth.” Collins attempted to respond by noting she was discussing survivors of sexual abuse, suggesting a serious demeanor was appropriate for the topic.

Trump Dismisses Epstein File Concerns

Trump argued the Epstein files situation created impossible standards, with victims complaining regardless of how much information officials released. He emphasized that nothing in the files implicated him personally, describing the situation as “a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people.” The president suggested it was time for the country to move beyond the Epstein matter entirely.

Vance: There was a moment in the Oval Office, I wasn't even in there, but Trump was talking to Kaitlan Collins. Trump says, 'Why don't you ever smile?' And it's actually, like, so perceptive. Have some fun. pic.twitter.com/UGv5QPehg9

— FactPost (@factpostnews) February 4, 2026

Background on Collins and CNN Relations

Collins began her journalism career as an entertainment reporter before joining the Daily Caller as a White House correspondent in 2016. She moved to CNN in 2017, covering Trump’s first administration extensively before transitioning to anchor roles in 2023. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between Trump and CNN, which he has frequently criticized for what he considers biased coverage. This latest incident highlights the challenging dynamics between the administration and mainstream media outlets during high-stakes questioning sessions.