CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Discusses Trump’s Unique Relationship with the Media

In a recent interview on Jason Tartick’s podcast, CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins noted that Donald Trump has a unique approach to engaging with the media, one that hasn’t been seen with other presidents.

As someone who has only covered two presidents so far in her role as a White House correspondent, Collins pointed out that even seasoned journalists agree Trump has reshaped the media landscape. “When chatting with reporters who followed President Obama, you’ll find he rarely answered those shouted questions,” Collins remarked.

She added, “Obama focused on his moments with world leaders, and then that was that. When Trump took office, he flipped the script—there are times when the president really is the press.” She explained that Trump’s long experience in business gave him a different perspective on media interactions. “He just has a knack for engaging with the press, which most politicians lack,” she said.

According to Collins, Trump comes prepared, keeping a “running list” of likely questions at every event. “He turns almost every situation into a kind of press conference,” she noted.

Collins shared an anecdote about Trump’s tendency to invite questions afterward. “He’ll swear someone in, then look toward me and ask, ‘Do you have any questions?’—he’ll go on for about 45 minutes,” she recounted.

She mentioned instances where she challenged Trump directly, highlighting the access he gives to journalists. “I remember calling him directly,” Collins said, recalling a significant moment during the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago for classified documents. “There are times I just knew I had to get through.” 

Despite the turbulence of their interactions, especially with Trump labeling her a “low-rating anchor,” Collins acknowledged the effort his team has made in asking her questions, particularly recalling a supportive moment from White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on that trip, Collins mentioned how she shouted a question to Trump alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, warning that her inquiry didn’t sit well with royal security. “They didn’t take kindly to it,” she said. “But Caroline stood her ground, saying, ‘Kaitlan has been representing U.S. press.’ That helped me gain entry to the next event.”