At the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, the former president directed a series of personal attacks at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, questioning her professionalism and appearance.
Trump dismissed Collins’s recent award for Excellence in Presidential News Coverage as “fake” and claimed the honor was solely about him, suggesting she did not merit the recognition.
He reiterated the criticism in a quoted statement, saying, “I want to personally congratulate Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award. It was all about me. It’s a fake—she shouldn’t get the award.”
The former president also commented on Collins’s demeanor, noting that she “never smiles” and urging her to be happier in her role.
Trump then compared Collins’s looks to a well‑known trans influencer who had appeared in a controversial Bud Light campaign, implying a similarity that drew laughter from the audience.
He added that the Bud Light promotion, featuring the influencer, cost the brand $35 billion in market value, describing the commercial as “the worst ever made.”
Members of the press present did not respond with laughter, maintaining a neutral tone throughout the remarks.
Collins has been the target of repeated criticism from the former president, including a recent Oval Office press briefing where he labeled her a “corrupt reporter” and again highlighted her lack of a smile.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between the former president and members of the media covering his activities.
