President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during a press event at the White House on Thursday. The confrontation occurred as Trump signed a reciprocal tariff plan, a move aimed at addressing economic concerns, particularly inflation, which has been a significant issue for his administration.
During the signing ceremony, Collins attempted to question Trump about the potential impact of his tariffs on prices, but Trump interrupted her, stating, "Excuse me, we haven’t asked you to speak yet." This moment set the tone for a tense interaction, as Trump criticized CNN, claiming that the network has lost credibility and that "nobody watches CNN anymore" due to its perceived bias in favor of President Joe Biden.
Trump’s remarks came in the context of broader criticisms he has directed at the media, particularly outlets he views as unfavorable to his administration. He argued that CNN’s alignment with Biden has diminished its viewership and credibility. "He’s a friend of CNN. That’s why nobody watches CNN anymore, because they have no credibility," Trump said, dismissing Collins’ attempts to engage him on economic policy.
In addition to discussing tariffs, Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires an end to the war, stating, "I believe he wants peace." Trump emphasized that the conflict could have been avoided and criticized President Biden’s handling of the situation, suggesting that negotiations should have taken place much earlier.
As the exchange unfolded, Collins pressed Trump on his trust in Putin and the possibility of a withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Trump’s responses indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue about the war, but he remained critical of the current administration’s approach.
The event underscored the ongoing tensions between Trump and the media, particularly CNN, as well as the challenges facing the Biden administration in addressing economic and foreign policy issues. As Trump continues to assert his influence in the political landscape, his interactions with the press are likely to remain contentious.