Washington (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 4, 2026 - CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins shared a video on social media showing her composed reaction during President Donald Trump's personal criticism for not smiling. The exchange occurred in the Oval Office on February 3 while Collins questioned Trump about newly released Jeffrey Epstein files and survivors' concerns.
Trump called her the "worst reporter" and linked her lack of smile to alleged dishonesty by CNN.
Collins posted the video on Instagram, where it captured her remaining unfazed amid Trump's remarks during the press interaction. A CNN spokesperson described Collins as an "outstanding journalist" who reports with "depth and determination."
Oval Office Exchange Unfolds Over Epstein Files
President Donald Trump criticised CNN's Kaitlan Collins during an Oval Office briefing on February 3, 2026, as she attempted to question him about the latest Justice Department disclosures related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump stated it was "time for the country to get on to something else" regarding the Epstein files, noting nothing implicated him.
Collins, CNN's chief White House correspondent, asked what Trump would say to Epstein survivors dissatisfied with redactions in the files, including blacked-out FBI witness interviews. Trump interrupted, saying,
"You are so bad. You are the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings because of people like you."
He then remarked on her expression, stating,
"She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile. I've known you for 10 years, and I don't think I've ever seen a smile on your face."
Trump continued,
"You know why you're not smiling? Because you know you're not telling the truth. You're a very dishonest organization and they should be ashamed of you."
Social media commentator Brian Krassenstein highlighted the
intensity of the moment in a post shortly after the exchange.
Brian Krassenstein said in X post,
“BREAKING: Trump goes off completely on Kaitlan Collins after she asks him about Epstein Survivors. What a disgusting pig.”
As reporters were ushered out, Trump was overheard telling Senator John Barrasso that Collins "never smiles," gesturing toward the press.
Collins Shares Video of Immediate Reaction
Following the exchange, Kaitlan Collins shared a video on Instagram capturing her reaction to Trump's comments, appearing composed and professional. The video showed Collins delivering her report on Trump's statements about moving past the Epstein documents and his response to survivors' reactions.
Political clip curator Acyn shared footage of Collins airing
the split-screen video on her programme.
Acyn said in X post,
“Kaitlan Collins airs split-screen footage showing her remaining composed as Trump snaps at her for asking about Epstein.”
On her CNN programme The Source that evening, Collins replayed the footage and noted Trump's insistence on moving on from the files despite ongoing concerns. She highlighted that she had spoken to a survivor on Friday who pointed out entire pages redacted in the documents.
Collins later discussed the incident with CNN's Jake Tapper, emphasising survivors' frustrations with the Justice Department's handling of the files.
CNN and Colleagues Defend Collins
A CNN spokesperson issued a statement on February 4 praising Collins as an "exceptional journalist" who reports daily from the White House and in the field with "real depth and tenacity." The network affirmed that audiences worldwide rely on her reporting across CNN platforms.
CNN's Jake Tapper supported Collins, calling her a "tremendous reporter and person" and noting Trump's characterisation of the Epstein matter as a "Democratic issue." Piers Morgan commented on social media that Collins "smiles a LOT," dismissing the relevance of her facial expressions to her work.
Context of Epstein Files Questions
The questions arose amid recent releases of Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department, which included references to figures such as Elon Musk and Howard Lutnick. Trump acknowledged not having read the files fully but said their mentions were unproblematic, as no "major headlines" ensued otherwise.
Collins pressed on justice for Epstein's victims, with one survivor expressing dissatisfaction over redactions like fully blacked-out witness interviews. Trump responded that the country should move forward, as the files yielded no new information about him.
History of Exchanges Between Trump and Collins
Kaitlan Collins has covered Trump since 2016, initially at The Daily Caller before joining CNN in 2017. In December 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social calling her "Caitlin Collins [sic] of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty," misspelling her name, after a question he claimed was about White House ballroom renovations.
Collins responded on Instagram Stories, clarifying, "Technically, my question was about Venezuela." That query concerned U.S. tensions with Venezuela, including bombings of alleged drug vessels and calls for President Nicolás Maduro to step down.
Trump has frequently criticised female journalists, using terms like "nasty," "piggy," "terrible," "ugly," and "incapable."
Broader Press Interactions in the Briefing
During the same Oval Office session, Trump displayed a new red-and-white baseball cap reading "America is back," with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson present. He remarked, "Look, CNN is thrilled," before commenting on Collins.
Other questions included one about a missing person search in Arizona, to which Trump replied, "I think it's terrible," without committing to more federal agents.
The exchange has been described in viral videos and clips shared by outlets including Reuters, Forbes, and YouTube news channels