Trump Clashes with CNN Reporter, Dismisses Network’s Credibility During White House Event

President Donald Trump confronted CNN’s Kaitlan Collins at the White House on Thursday, criticizing her network’s credibility while signing a new reciprocal tariff plan. The exchange occurred in the Oval Office as Trump displayed the signed document for the gathered press.

Collins attempted to ask a question about inflation and the potential impact of tariffs on consumer prices. “Mr. President, you won the White House, in part, because of high inflation. If your tariffs make prices go up—”

Trump immediately cut her off. “Excuse me,” he said. “We haven’t asked you to speak yet.”

The president then turned to other reporters and addressed ongoing military conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to end the war, stating that his recent conversation with the Russian leader reinforced that belief.

“I believe he wants peace,” Trump said. “I believe that President Putin—when I spoke to him yesterday—I know him very well. I think he wants peace. Yeah, I think he would tell me if he didn’t. I would like to see peace.”

Collins interjected, pressing Trump further. “Do you trust President Putin?”

Trump reiterated his position, arguing that Russia was motivated to end the conflict and that the war could have been avoided. “I believe that—yeah, I believe that he would like to see something happen. I trust him on the subject. I think he would like to see something happen. I think it could have happened a long time ago,” he said.

He then pivoted to a direct critique of President Joe Biden, blaming him for the war’s continuation. “I think Biden—number one, it shouldn’t have started, but it did, and now all those cities are knocked down, like demolition sites,” Trump said.

He accused Biden of failing to take the necessary steps to prevent the war and suggested that a resolution should have been reached years ago.

“This should have never been allowed to happen. I know he’s a friend of yours,” Trump added, addressing Collins directly.

Collins attempted to follow up. “But couldn’t Putin just withdraw—”

Trump cut her off again. “He’s a friend of CNN. That’s why nobody watches CNN anymore, because they have no credibility,” he said before moving on to another topic.

The moment highlighted the ongoing tensions between Trump and CNN, a network he has frequently criticized throughout his political career. Trump has long accused mainstream media outlets of bias, often singling out CNN for what he claims is unfair coverage of his administration.

The White House event marked the unveiling of a new reciprocal tariff plan, a policy Trump has championed as part of his broader economic strategy.

The plan aims to impose tariffs on foreign countries that place high duties on U.S. goods, a move the administration argues will level the playing field for American manufacturers and workers. Trump displayed the signed plan for the cameras, emphasizing his commitment to economic nationalism and trade fairness.

Although the event was intended to focus on trade policy, Trump’s comments on foreign affairs, particularly his views on Russia and Ukraine, drew significant attention.

His assertion that Putin seeks peace aligns with previous statements he has made about his relationship with the Russian leader. However, critics argue that Trump has been overly sympathetic to Moscow, downplaying its role in global conflicts.

The exchange with Collins also underscored Trump’s combative approach to media interactions. Throughout his presidency, he has frequently dismissed questions from journalists he perceives as adversarial.

His refusal to engage with Collins’ line of questioning reflected a broader strategy of deflecting criticism and challenging media narratives.

Trump’s remarks about CNN’s declining viewership are consistent with his past rhetoric about the network. He has repeatedly claimed that CNN’s ratings have suffered due to a lack of credibility, often citing his own political influence as a factor in shifting media consumption patterns.

While CNN remains a major player in the media landscape, the network has faced challenges in recent years, including leadership changes and strategic shifts in programming. Trump’s assertion that “nobody watches CNN” is an exaggeration, but it reflects his ongoing campaign to discredit mainstream media outlets that he believes are hostile to his presidency.

The tariff plan, which was the central focus of the event, represents a continuation of Trump’s economic policies aimed at reshaping international trade dynamics. Supporters argue that the strategy protects American jobs and industries, while critics warn that it could lead to retaliatory measures from trade partners, potentially harming the U.S. economy.

As the press conference concluded, Trump maintained his focus on economic and foreign policy issues, but the confrontation with Collins remained a defining moment of the event.

The back-and-forth between the president and the CNN reporter encapsulated the deep divide between Trump and mainstream media organizations, a dynamic that has shaped much of his political career.

With the 2024 election cycle intensifying, Trump’s media battles are expected to continue. His relationship with outlets like CNN will likely remain adversarial, especially as he seeks to control the narrative around his administration’s policies and decisions.

The reciprocal tariff plan is set to be implemented in the coming months, with further details expected from the White House.

Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks on Ukraine and his interactions with the press will continue to generate debate, reinforcing his position as a polarizing figure in American politics.