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By Open Chronicle Staff | February 4, 2026
WASHINGTON — In a volatile Oval Office exchange, President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins on Tuesday, labeling her the “worst reporter” after she pressed him on the justice, or lack thereof, facing survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.
The confrontation occurred during a bill signing ceremony, a setting the President intended to use for a legislative victory lap. However, the atmosphere shifted when Collins highlighted the growing frustration among Epstein survivors regarding the heavy redactions in the recently released Department of Justice (DOJ) files.
“A lot of women who are survivors of Epstein are unhappy with those redactions,” Collins stated, noting that entire witness interviews had been blacked out. “What would you say to the survivors who feel like they haven’t gotten justice?”
Kaitlan Collins: What would you say to Epstein survivors?
Donald Trump: “You are so bad. You’re the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings. She’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. They should be ashamed of you.”
Asked about Epstein survivors.
He… pic.twitter.com/ZMsFQ408qv— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) February 3, 2026
Personal Attacks Over Policy
Visibly agitated, President Trump bypassed the substance of the question to launch a personal attack on the veteran correspondent.
“You are the worst reporter,” Trump barked, turning to the lawmakers gathered around his desk. “No wonder CNN has no ratings, because of people like you.”
The President then pivoted to a critique of Collins’ demeanor. “You know, she’s a young woman. I’ve known you for 10 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face,” he said. “You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth. You’re a very dishonest organization, and they should be ashamed of you.”
Collins, undeterred, attempted to refocus the conversation: “Well, I’m asking you about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, Mr. President.” Trump ignored the follow-up, choosing instead to move on to another journalist.
Trump dodges Epstein survivors’ concerns, then attacks Kaitlan Collins:
“Worst reporter ever… You never smile. I’ve known you 10 years and never seen a smile on your face.”
“Because you know you’re not telling the truth.”
She doesn’t flinch. Absolute composure. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wjJCTcoLUB— Nfoz (@N_fozz) February 4, 2026
Calls to “Move On”
Despite the ongoing international fallout from the “Epstein Files,”—which has already led to high-profile resignations in the United Kingdom—President Trump insisted that the American public should lose interest in the case.
“I think it’s really time for the country to get on to something else,” Trump said, framing the focus on Epstein as a political vendetta. “Nothing came out about me other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people. I think it’s time now for the country to maybe get on to something else, like healthcare or something that people care about.”
The President’s dismissal comes at a sensitive time. Congressional committees have recently set dates for depositions from other high-profile figures, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, as the investigation into Epstein’s broader network continues to expand.
A Pattern of Friction
The incident is the latest in a series of heated interactions between the President and female members of the press. Critics noted that the “smile” remark echoed past dismissive comments made toward journalists, while supporters of the President characterized the exchange as a necessary pushback against “badgering” by the media.
In a statement following the incident, CNN defended Collins, praising her “tenacity” and “depth” in reporting on matters of significant public interest.