In a heated exchange at the Oval Office on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump lambasted CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins. The confrontation erupted as Collins persistently questioned Trump about the ongoing implications of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the plight of sexual assault survivors who feel justice remains elusive.
The incident unfolded during an event intended for Trump to champion his political agenda and that of the Republican Party. However, the session quickly turned acrimonious when Collins brought attention to the recent release of Epstein documents and their profound impact on the victims.
Trump visibly grew frustrated by Collins’ incisive questions, particularly as the Epstein issue veered toward figures reportedly close to him, including his own allies. Rather than address the substance of her inquiries, Trump opted for a personal attack on Collins, scrutinizing her demeanor and accusing CNN of being a dishonest organization.
1. Trump Annoyed by Questions on Epstein Ties
The tension first mounted when Kaitlan Collins challenged President Trump‘s assertion that the release of the Epstein documents was detrimental to the Democratic Party. Collins underscored that the same documents also revealed connections between Epstein and two prominent Trump allies: Elon Musk and U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick.
In response, Trump appeared dismissive, shrugging off the question. He claimed he had not read the purportedly cordial correspondence between Epstein, Musk, and Lutnick.
“I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise, there would have been big headlines,” Trump remarked, as reported by The Guardian on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
However, media reports had indeed detailed the closer-than-previously-acknowledged relationships of both Musk and Lutnick with Epstein. President Trump himself conceded that he had been friends with Epstein for 17 years but attempted to steer the discussion away from any further elaboration on the matter.
2. Trump Evades Questions Regarding Epstein Survivors
The intensity further escalated when Collins conveyed that many female Epstein survivors were deeply disappointed with how the U.S. Department of Justice had redacted key documents.
“Many women who are Epstein survivors are not happy about this,” Collins stated, highlighting that entire witness interviews had been completely blacked out.
President Trump then endeavored to shut down the conversation, asserting, “I think it’s time for this country to move on to other things, now that nothing has come out about me.”
He subsequently alluded to a conspiracy against him, referencing a previously revealed email where author Michael Wolff had solicited Epstein’s help to salvage Trump’s 2016 campaign following the release of the Access Hollywood tape.
However, Epstein did not comply with that request. Trump reiterated his stance, stating once more, “I think it’s time for this country to move on to something else.”
When Collins pressed with a direct follow-up, asking, “Then what do you say to the people who feel they haven’t received justice, Mr. President?”, Trump’s exasperation became unmistakably clear.
3. Trump Personally Attacks CNN Reporter Publicly
“What do you say?” Trump retorted irritably, before unleashing a pointed personal attack on Collins.
“What is the answer for the survivors who feel they haven’t received justice?” Collins firmly reiterated.
“You know, you’re the worst reporter,” Trump disparaged, speaking directly to Collins before turning to the surrounding Republican lawmakers.
“She’s a young woman. I’ve never seen you smile. I’ve known you for ten years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face,” Trump continued, fixing his gaze back on Collins.
Collins attempted to interject, stating, “I’m asking about Jeffrey Epstein abuse survivors, Mr. President.”
However, Trump ignored her, pressing on, “You know why you don’t smile? Because you know you’re not telling the truth. And your organization is so dishonest, they should be ashamed.”
“These are sexual assault survivors,” Collins emphasized, undeterred.
Trump then abruptly concluded the contentious interaction by pointing to another reporter, effectively redirecting the conversation away from Epstein, the convicted pedophile whom Trump had once described in 2002 as “terrific fun to be with.”
Notably, Trump’s aides promptly clipped the video of the incident and uploaded it to the official White House social media accounts, accompanied by a caption suggesting Trump had ‘destroyed’ Collins.
This aggressive encounter harked back to a similar event in 2020, when Trump famously walked out of a press conference after Collins refused to assist in silencing another reporter’s questions, which Trump deemed “evil.”
Related Coverage:
- Under Pressure from Epstein Controversy, Former British Prince Evicted from Windsor
- Melinda French Gates States Bill Gates Must Provide Explanation Regarding Epstein Ties
- 4 Key Figures Proven to Have Lied About Their Connections to Epstein
Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump verbally attacked CNN correspondent Kaitlan