President Trump Shuts Down CNN Reporter Kaitlan Collins After Attempted Ambush Question at Press Conference
President Donald Trump decisively silenced CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins after she attempted to ambush him with questions about an alleged security breach involving members of his national security team.
The incident occurred at a White House press conference, where Trump was signing multiple executive orders. Collins attempted to reignite controversy surrounding a disputed story from The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, who claimed without verifiable evidence that he was inadvertently added to a Signal messaging group involving senior Trump administration officials discussing military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Background of the Alleged “Signal Group” Controversy
Goldberg previously claimed that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz mistakenly included him in a secure Signal chat that also involved high-ranking officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President J.D. Vance. According to Goldberg, sensitive plans regarding military action against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels were openly discussed in the group chat.
Rather than quietly leaving the group, Goldberg reportedly captured screenshots of the discussion and published details in The Atlantic, prompting backlash and accusations of attempting to undermine national security.
Trump’s Firm Response in Support of Advisor Mike Waltz
Amid calls from Democrats and certain media outlets for Waltz’s resignation, President Trump defended his national security advisor, stating clearly:
“Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he’s a good man. Goldberg’s presence had no impact at all on the military operation.”
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Confronted at White House Press Conference
Despite Trump’s public statements clarifying his stance, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins attempted to resurrect the issue at the press conference, presumably hoping to provoke Trump into criticizing his team publicly. Collins began by pressing:
“Mr. President, you said that your national security advisor learned a lesson after a reporter…”
However, Trump immediately recognized her intent, firmly responding:
“Excuse me, I didn’t pick you. Next, please.”
Trump’s swift dismissal effectively ended Collins’s line of questioning, reinforcing his stance on both the incident and his broader frustration with certain media tactics.
Broader Implications and Media Relations
Trump’s dismissal of Collins underscores his ongoing strained relationship with major media networks like CNN, frequently accusing them of bias and using press events as platforms for political attacks. His sharp handling of Collins also signals the administration’s renewed assertiveness in controlling media narratives and countering perceived misinformation.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and establishment media outlets, reflecting the polarized media environment and Trump’s continued willingness to confront adversarial journalism directly.
