In a surprising turn of events, CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins shared a heartening story about her interaction with Donald Trump‘s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, during a recent podcast episode. Collins recounted an incident from a foreign trip to Saudi Arabia, where she faced obstacles while attempting to ask questions in a country known for its restricted media environment.
Collins’ Experience in Saudi Arabia
During the podcast “Absolutely Not” with host Heather McMahan, Collins detailed a moment when she attempted to engage Trump as he entered a room with various world leaders, including the Saudi Crown Prince. Despite the tense atmosphere, she shouted a question, but Trump did not respond. Collins noted, “That’s how it works,” referring to the media’s role in such settings.
The situation escalated when the Saudi Royal Guard intervened, expressing their disapproval of her question. Collins explained that she was informed she would not be allowed to attend the next event, which was scheduled just minutes later. In a display of support, Leavitt intervened, stating, “No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the US press.” This decision was significant, considering the cultural differences regarding press freedoms between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Reactions and Context
Collins emphasized the importance of Leavitt’s reaction, highlighting the challenges faced by US journalists abroad. “Especially when you’re kind of the U.S. contingent abroad, and we don’t do things like they do in Saudi Arabia,” Collins remarked. Following the podcast, Leavitt shared a clip of the exchange on her Instagram Story, captioned “True story!”
The relationship between Collins and Trump has been marked by tension. During a town hall meeting in 2023, Trump referred to Collins as a “nasty person” after she questioned him about an investigation into his handling of classified documents. In subsequent interactions, he has made derogatory remarks about her, including calling her “stupid and nasty” for her inquiries regarding his White House renovations.
In a more recent confrontation on February 3, 2023, Trump criticized Collins directly while addressing the White House press corps. He expressed disbelief at her demeanor, stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile.” Collins, undeterred, persisted in her questioning about sensitive topics, including those related to survivors of high-profile criminal cases.
The dynamic between Collins, Leavitt, and Trump illustrates the often contentious relationship between the media and public figures. As Collins continues to navigate this landscape, Leavitt’s support in a challenging environment stands out as a notable gesture of solidarity among colleagues in the field.
