Multiple outlets report that US President Donald Trump again attacks CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins during on-air exchanges, as a separate dispute involving a “mega” media merger remains in the background. In the accounts, Trump makes disparaging remarks about Collins—described across sources as “young,” “beautiful,” and “never smiles”—amid a tense moment in which Collins has not asked a question or spoken at that point. The reports frame the renewed criticism as part of an ongoing pattern of Trump targeting Collins.
One recurring explanation comes from a former aide to the president, who says Trump’s behavior reflects misogyny and stems from fear, though the sources also note that political considerations may be involved. Those political factors are linked to the broader media landscape, including debate over consolidation and corporate control of news outlets.
Across the reporting, Collins is portrayed as a prominent political journalist, and the incident is presented as both personal in tone and connected to wider issues around media power, even as details about the merger and related negotiations remain general in the coverage.
