President Donald Trump took a personal swipe at CNN's Kaitlan Collins during a heated Oval Office exchange over the future of his $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' Before Collins could even ask a question, Trump launched into a tirade against the 34-year-old host, with whom he has a contentious history.
Trump's Remarks on CNN and Collins
'They're crooked as hell. CNN is a very corrupt organization, with a corrupt reporter standing right there, never smiles,' Trump said, pointing at Collins. 'She's a young, beautiful woman, never smiles. I never see a smile on her face. I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes.'
Background on the Fund
The fund originated from a $10 billion lawsuit settlement Trump secured against the IRS after his tax returns were leaked during his first term. The settlement included a $1.776 billion fund meant for victims of government weaponization, including some January 6 Capitol rioters. This has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who have labeled it a 'slush fund' for Trump's allies. Following backlash, a U.S. district judge barred the administration from taking further action, and Trump's acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress the effort will not continue.
'We are not moving forward with the fund. Period,' Blanche stated to the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.
Oval Office Confrontation
Collins asked Trump during a Wednesday Oval Office event whether the fund was dead or on hold. Trump responded, 'I'd have to ask the lawyers. I don't know. The weaponization fund, as far as I'm concerned, was a beautiful thing.' He then attacked Collins and CNN: 'People like you have abused our people so badly. The fake news, like CNN, like the New York Times, and like others, have abused our people.'
When Collins attempted to interject, Trump continued speaking over her. 'Wait a minute, be quiet. Have abused our people so badly, and you should be ashamed of yourself. You used to be a conservative, she was a conservative from Alabama. Can you believe it?'
Trump further criticized CNN: 'CNN does such false reporting, but now they have new ownership, so maybe it'll straighten it out. I doubt it, but it's hard to straighten garbage out.'
Trump on January 6
The President then discussed his January 6, 2021 speech, noting the 'tremendous crowd' went to the Capitol 'with love.' He claimed these 'great people' were 'destroyed' in the aftermath, with many committing suicide. 'It was the most amazing thing. People were crying, they were like...' Trump said before Collins attempted a follow-up. He talked over her, saying, 'Wait a minute, let me finish, let me finish, let me finish,' and concluded by insulting Collins: 'There's something wrong with you.'
