I've never seen you smile: Trump clashes with CNN reporter
President Donald Trump dismissed newly released Epstein files and lashed out at a CNN reporter during an Oval Office event, criticizing her for not smiling while she questioned him about survivors.
Asked about survivors of sexual abuse, US President Donald Trump chose instead to lecture a reporter about her facial expression.
Trump lashed out at a female journalist during an Oval Office event, criticizing her for not smiling as she pressed him on newly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“You are so bad. You are the worst reporter,” Trump told Kaitlan Collins of CNN. “CNN has the worst ratings because of people like you. You know, she’s a young woman and I’ve never seen you smile. I’ve known you for ten years, I’ve never seen a smile on your face.”
DISMISSING THE EPSTEIN FILES
The exchange began when Collins asked Trump whether he had reviewed the latest tranche of Epstein-related documents released on Friday, which include references to figures such as Elon Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
“No,” Trump said. “I have a lot of things I’m doing. I don’t know. You mentioned two names. I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise there would have been major headlines.”
When Collins raised concerns from survivors about heavy redactions in the documents, Trump cut her off.
“Well, I’ve also heard they thought they released too much,” he said. “And now you’re telling me something else.”
TIME TO MOVE ON
Trump repeatedly suggested the country should shift focus away from the Epstein case.
“I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else,” he said. “Now that nothing came out about me. Other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people.”
He added: “I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else. Like healthcare or something that people care about.”
When Collins asked what message he had for survivors who feel justice has not been served, Trump escalated his attack.
“You are so bad. You are the worst reporter,” he said, before again criticizing her demeanor. “You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth.”
“I’m asking about survivors of a sexual abuser,” Collins responded.
But Trump continued: “It’s a very dishonest organisation and they should be ashamed of you.”
As reporters were ushered out of the Oval Office, Trump could again be heard complaining to a Republican congressman about Collins, repeating that she never smiles.
Asked about survivors of sexual abuse, US President Donald Trump chose instead to lecture a reporter about her facial expression.
Trump lashed out at a female journalist during an Oval Office event, criticizing her for not smiling as she pressed him on newly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“You are so bad. You are the worst reporter,” Trump told Kaitlan Collins of CNN. “CNN has the worst ratings because of people like you. You know, she’s a young woman and I’ve never seen you smile. I’ve known you for ten years, I’ve never seen a smile on your face.”
DISMISSING THE EPSTEIN FILES
The exchange began when Collins asked Trump whether he had reviewed the latest tranche of Epstein-related documents released on Friday, which include references to figures such as Elon Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
“No,” Trump said. “I have a lot of things I’m doing. I don’t know. You mentioned two names. I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise there would have been major headlines.”
When Collins raised concerns from survivors about heavy redactions in the documents, Trump cut her off.
“Well, I’ve also heard they thought they released too much,” he said. “And now you’re telling me something else.”
TIME TO MOVE ON
Trump repeatedly suggested the country should shift focus away from the Epstein case.
“I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else,” he said. “Now that nothing came out about me. Other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people.”
He added: “I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else. Like healthcare or something that people care about.”
When Collins asked what message he had for survivors who feel justice has not been served, Trump escalated his attack.
“You are so bad. You are the worst reporter,” he said, before again criticizing her demeanor. “You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth.”
“I’m asking about survivors of a sexual abuser,” Collins responded.
But Trump continued: “It’s a very dishonest organisation and they should be ashamed of you.”
As reporters were ushered out of the Oval Office, Trump could again be heard complaining to a Republican congressman about Collins, repeating that she never smiles.