UMVA has learned that President Trump unleashed a scathing rebuke against CNN and its White House correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, during a press conference on Wednesday, targeting the network's coverage of his supporters and the now-scrapped $1.776 billion weaponization fund.
The President's ire was sparked by a question about the fund, which he initially praised as crucial for addressing the alleged persecution of his supporters by the Biden administration. He claimed that CNN and other "fake news" outlets had played a significant role in this persecution.
Trump accused Collins, a young and beautiful woman he claimed never smiles, of having "hatred in her eyes" for conservatives and for championing causes he believes are detrimental to the country, such as open borders and high taxes. He also questioned her credentials as a former conservative from Alabama.
The President's tirade against Collins and CNN was marked by personal attacks and insults, with him labeling the network as "crooked as hell" and accusing Collins of being a "corrupt reporter." He suggested that CNN's new ownership might lead to improved reporting, but expressed skepticism about the prospect.
When Collins asked Trump if the fund was "dead" or "on hold," he responded by saying he would have to consult with his lawyers, then proceeded to berate her again, telling her she "should be ashamed" of her reporting. The exchange was marked by Trump interrupting Collins and telling her to "be quiet."
Trump concluded his condemnation of Collins by stating that his supporters had been abused by her and other "fake news" outlets, and that there was "something wrong" with them and their ideology. The President's comments have sparked a heated debate about the role of media in politics and the relationship between the White House and the press corps.
