Collins Discusses Trump’s Unique Media Approach
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins recently highlighted how Donald Trump has approached the media differently than previous presidents during an interview. She spoke on Jason Taltic’s podcast, “Trade Secrets,” recalling her experiences as a White House correspondent.
Though she has only covered two presidents, she noted that even seasoned reporters agree: Trump has shifted the dynamics of media interactions. “If you talked to someone who covered President Obama, you’d find he rarely answered questions directly,” Collins explained. “It wasn’t really about him; he had his moment with world leaders, and then he’d step back. But Trump, well, he turned that on its head. Sometimes he becomes the press himself.”
Collins elaborated that Trump has a habit of turning almost every occasion into what feels like a press conference. “He often swears someone in and then turns to us and asks, ‘Do you have any questions?’—sometimes going on for 45 minutes,” she said.
Interestingly, Collins mentioned that she often had direct access to Trump, even having called him in the past for comments, which showcases his openness to the media. “I’d just call him directly,” she remarked, adding that Trump’s familiarity with the press is not typically seen in other politicians.
Collins and Trump’s relationship has had its share of tension, especially during press conferences. He’s called her a “low-rated anchor” and criticized CNN as a whole. Yet, Collins still acknowledges that Trump’s administration has offered her validity as a journalist, recalling a moment when White House press secretary Karolyn Leavitt defended her during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on that experience, she shared a time when she shouted questions at Trump while he was with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Afterwards, royal security guards warned her about her questioning style, indicating that her inquiries weren’t well received. “They were pretty upset about what I had asked,” she said, remembering that Leavitt supported her in attending the next event.
