President Donald Trump launched a sexist attack on CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday, accusing her of having "hatred in her eyes" and never smiling. The outburst occurred during a press conference at the White House.
Trump, responding to a question about his now-shuttered $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation" fund, turned his attention to Collins. "A young beautiful woman, never smiles," he said. "I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes."
The president also criticised Collins for her reporting, calling CNN "fake news" and claiming she should be "ashamed" of herself. He referenced her conservative background in Alabama, expressing disbelief at her current work.
This is not the first time Trump has targeted Collins. In February, he complained that she did not smile after she asked about the Epstein files. Collins later said she did not find the topic of sex trafficking victims "a laughing matter."
A CNN spokesperson defended Collins, calling her "an exceptional journalist" who reports with "real depth and tenacity." Editor Amanda Carpenter also condemned Trump's remarks, stating that "no woman owes any man her smile."
Trump has a history of attacking female journalists, including calling ABC News reporter Rachel Scott a "horror show" and telling another reporter to "quiet, piggy."
