A recent podcast appearance revealed a tense moment during a presidential trip to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists operating in countries without a free press. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins recounted an incident where a simple question directed at the former President nearly resulted in her being barred from a press event.
Collins explained that after shouting a question during a meeting with world leaders – a standard practice – Saudi security personnel reacted with visible alarm. They were unaccustomed to direct questioning of leaders, a stark contrast to the freedoms enjoyed by the U.S. press corps.
The situation escalated quickly when Saudi officials attempted to deny Collins entry to the subsequent press event, informing her she was excluded just minutes before it began. Collins, however, firmly asserted her right to attend with the U.S. press contingent, refusing to accept their decision.
Unexpectedly, Karoline Leavitt, a White House staff member, intervened on Collins’ behalf. Collins observed that Leavitt was approached by concerned younger White House staff and Saudi officials whispering and pointing.
Leavitt, despite past professional disagreements with Collins, unequivocally stated that Collins would be allowed to join the U.S. press, effectively defusing the situation. Her decisive action ensured the incident didn’t escalate into a larger diplomatic issue.
This incident occurred against a backdrop of frequent, and often contentious, interactions between Collins and the former President. He has publicly criticized her reporting, once labeling her “the worst reporter” during a heated exchange in the Oval Office.
During that Oval Office confrontation, the former President attacked Collins’ credibility and even commented on her demeanor, questioning why she rarely smiled. He accused CNN of dishonesty and blamed her for the network’s ratings.
Despite their personal clashes, Leavitt’s actions demonstrate a commitment to defending the principles of a free press, even when disagreeing with individual journalists. She prioritized professional standards and the rights of the American press while on foreign soil.
The Saudi Arabian incident underscores the precarious position journalists can find themselves in when reporting from nations with restricted press freedoms, and the importance of allies standing firm in defense of those freedoms.
