Collins Praises Leavitt for Supporting Press During Trump’s Saudi Trip
CNN host Caitlan Collins recently commended White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt for her defense of journalists during President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. On a podcast, Collins recounted her experience covering the president’s trip, noting that the Saudis aren’t exactly known for their enthusiasm towards the media.
She shared a moment where she shouted a question to Trump, who, well, didn’t respond. “That’s just how it goes, right? You ask, they either answer or they don’t,” Collins said, reflecting on the actions of world leaders who simply exited the room afterwards.
Collins remarked that Saudi guards seemed taken aback, not used to someone from the press posing a question. “They’re not really familiar with, um, freedom of the press,” she added, highlighting the cultural differences.
Contention at the Press Conference
When Collins tried to attend the following press briefing, Saudi officials attempted to keep her out. “I noticed them whispering and pointing,” she said, describing the scene. Some of the younger staffers, unsure of how to handle it, went to Leavitt for help. “To her credit, she insisted I wasn’t going to miss out,” Collins noted, appreciating Leavitt’s support in that tense moment. “I think that was really important, especially for a U.S. delegation overseas where, you know, things can get a bit tricky.”
The White House didn’t immediately respond to requests for comments from Fox News Digital.
Collins also mentioned a similar incident during another trip, this time to South Korea’s demilitarized zone, under the previous administration.
Wrestling with Media Dynamics
Collins has often had confrontations with Trump during her White House coverage. He once called her “stupid and mean,” and pointed out her lack of smiles in their interactions. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face,” he commented earlier this month.
Despite the tensions, Collins indicated that Trump has a unique way of engaging with the press. In an October podcast, she remarked how he’s somewhat embraced the media unlike any president before him. Collins, having covered only two presidents, states that even seasoned reporters have noted the change in dynamics during Trump’s term.
She contrasted his approach with that of President Obama, who would often avoid responding to shouted questions. “Obama didn’t seem fond of that sort of interaction, while Trump flipped it on its head by engaging more openly,” Collins explained.
