The strained relationship between Kaitlan Collins of CNN and the Trump administration is well-documented. Collins has a talent for eliciting strong reactions from the former president. However, even amidst this tension, an unexpected moment of support emerged during a recent trip abroad.
On an episode of Heather McMahan’s podcast, Collins spoke candidly about an encounter with Trump. She recounted a typical day at a press conference where she asked a question, despite Trump choosing not to respond. “I asked a shouted question to President Trump, who had seen me when the U.S. press came in,” she recalled. “He didn’t answer, which is, I mean, that’s how it works.” This description sheds light on the often chaotic atmosphere that characterizes these interactions, where reporters frequently ask questions that may or may not be acknowledged by the president.
However, one aspect of this encounter did draw a stark reaction from the Saudi Royal Guard, who were reportedly unsettled by Collins’ audacity. “The Saudi Royal Guard kind of freaked out because I dared to ask a question,” Collins noted. “They’re not used to that there because they don’t have a free press.” This tension illustrated a cultural divide where holding leaders accountable through questioning is not the norm, unlike in the United States.
In an unexpected twist, the Saudis informed Collins that she would not be allowed to attend the subsequent press event. Her attempts to contest this ruling were met with resistance. This is where Karoline Leavitt, the president’s press secretary, stepped in. Collins recounted, “I could see them like, whispering, and pointing about me,” highlighting her anxiety in the moment. Witnessing the situation, Leavitt asserted, “No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the U.S. press,” which allowed Collins to attend the event without further incident. This intervention demonstrated a sense of solidarity among U.S. representatives abroad, emphasizing the importance of standing up for press freedoms, particularly in environments where such freedoms are not guaranteed.
Collins expressed gratitude for Leavitt’s actions, stating, “To her credit, she, without a doubt, was like, ‘No, you’re coming in.’” This moment illustrated a stark contrast between American values of free press and the environment in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the notion that the U.S. press operates under a different standard. The notion of camaraderie among the American contingent abroad resonated with Collins. “I do think it’s important in that moment, especially when you’re kind of the U.S. contingent abroad, and we don’t do things like they do in Saudi Arabia,” she emphasized.
Collins’ experience was not an isolated incident. She recalled similar support from the previous administration during a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, revealing that the backing she receives often transcends political boundaries. While Collins frequently finds herself at odds with the current administration, her assertive questioning style has drawn ire from both sides of the political aisle, including prominent Democrats such as Jasmine Crockett and Hakeem Jeffries. This universal pushback highlights the contentious nature of political discourse in today’s media landscape, where tough questions are often met with resistance from public officials across the spectrum.
In the end, Collins’ story reflects not just the challenges of being a journalist, but also the importance of protecting the free press, especially in challenging international contexts. Her experiences serve as a reminder that questions aimed at holding power to account are vital to democracy, and the support from colleagues can be crucial in navigating these difficult situations.
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