Overview
- During a Feb. 3 Oval Office availability, Collins pressed Trump on the DOJ’s Epstein documents, citing mentions of Elon Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and asking about justice for survivors.
- Trump said he had not read the new files, suggested those named were “fine,” and argued it was time for the country to move on to other issues.
- He labeled Collins “the worst reporter,” criticized her for “not smiling,” and continued grumbling about her as reporters were ushered out.
- CNN issued a rapid statement praising Collins as an exceptional journalist, while Collins posted video of the exchange and later underscored survivors’ concerns about extensive redactions on-air.
- The confrontation intensified scrutiny of Trump’s pattern of targeting female reporters and prompted swift, polarized reactions across social media.