Former United States President Donald Trump has launched a fresh verbal assault on a prominent journalist, this time targeting CNN's chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised her reporting and even managed to misspell her first name.
The Public Rebuke and Misspelling
In his post, Trump referred to the journalist as "Caitlin Collins of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty." The core of his objection stemmed from Collins' on-air remarks concerning the construction of a new ballroom at the White House and the associated rising costs. Trump was quick to defend the project, asserting that it is "much bigger and more beautiful."
He further claimed the construction was proceeding "under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are." A key point of his defence was the financial aspect, with Trump reiterating that "there are no taxpayer dollars involved. It is being fully paid by private donations."
Collins' Clarification and the Venezuela Context
Kaitlan Collins responded to the attack via her Instagram Story, offering a crucial clarification. She pointed out that "Technically my question was about Venezuela." This reference was to her query about the US administration's bombing of alleged drug-smuggling vessels off the Venezuelan coast.
The United States has conducted multiple such strikes in the Caribbean region, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people. Washington describes these actions as part of an anti-narcotics campaign. However, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of having an ulterior motive: control over Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The US State Department has denied this charge.
Earlier on the same day, at the red carpet event for the FIFA World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center, Collins had posed a related question to Trump. She asked the former President about accepting a peace prize from FIFA while the US military was simultaneously conducting strikes in Venezuela.
A Pattern of Targeting Women Journalists
Kaitlan Collins is not the first woman journalist to face public criticism from Donald Trump. This incident continues a well-documented pattern. For instance, in November, he called Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey a "quiet piggy." That remark was later defended by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who characterised it as "very frank and honest" rather than insulting.
Throughout his political career, Trump has maintained a notably combative relationship with the press. He frequently clashes with reporters who question his administration's policies or statements, often resorting to personal attacks and dismissive labels.
