In a fiery press conference at the Oval Office on Thursday, former President Donald Trump delivered a blistering critique aimed squarely at CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, accusing her of bias and questioning her credibility. The confrontation, which quickly dominated headlines, saw Trump lash out at Collins and her network with unfiltered, harsh language.

A Heated Exchange Over Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The incident unfolded during a press briefing where Trump was fielding questions on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While addressing a question from another reporter about whether he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin genuinely desired peace, Kaitlan Collins interjected with her own query: “Do you trust President Putin?” This interjection set off a rapid-fire exchange that would soon escalate into a full-blown media showdown.

Trump’s response to the question about Putin was measured at first. “I believe that—yeah, I believe that he would like to see something happen. I think he would like to see something happen. I think it could have happened a long time ago,” he remarked, seemingly deflecting the inquiry. However, the tone shifted dramatically when he turned his attention to Collins.

Trump Calls Out Collins Over Alleged Bias

With pointed emphasis, Trump accused Collins of having close ties with his political rival, former President Joe Biden. “I know he [Biden] is a friend of yours,” Trump said, his voice rising as he continued his tirade. He went on to suggest that CNN had been relentlessly pushing a biased narrative against him while shielding Biden and other Democrats from scrutiny.

“You people at CNN have never been fair,” Trump continued. “You work for a network that peddles fake news, and you, Kaitlan, are one of the worst offenders. It’s a disgrace.”

The former president’s comments drew a mixture of reactions from the press corps, with some reporters exchanging glances and others appearing to take notes. Collins, known for her composed demeanor, attempted to respond but was cut off by Trump, who declared, “I’m not going to waste my time answering your phony questions.”

CNN Responds to Trump’s Remarks

Following the contentious exchange, CNN issued a formal response condemning Trump’s attack on their journalist. “CNN stands by Kaitlan Collins, an exceptional reporter with a strong record of holding those in power accountable. The former president’s remarks are another attempt to discredit a free and independent press,” the statement read.

Other journalists and media professionals also came to Collins’ defense, pointing out that tough questioning is a fundamental responsibility of the press, particularly when dealing with public officials and world leaders.

Reactions from Political Figures

The dramatic press conference sparked strong reactions from both Trump’s supporters and critics. Conservative pundits and allies of the former president praised his willingness to call out what they perceive as media bias. “Trump tells it like it is,” said one Fox News contributor. “CNN has been unfair to him for years, and he’s not afraid to fight back.”

On the other hand, Trump’s critics viewed the confrontation as yet another instance of his disdain for the press. “It’s the same old playbook,” commented a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee. “He attacks the media to distract from the real issues at hand.”