In an unexpected display of bipartisanship, CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins recently recounted how White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended her during a presidential visit to Saudi Arabia, despite their usual confrontations.
Collins shared this account on Heather McMahan’s podcast, “Absolutely Not,” as well as on Jason Tartick’s “Trading Secrets.” While they often spar in the briefing room, Collins credited Leavitt’s support during a crucial international incident.
During her podcast appearance this past Thursday, Collins discussed her working relationship with the quick-witted press secretary.
“How do you deal with Karoline?” McMahan asked. “What is she really like?”
Collins noted the inherent tension between journalists and press secretaries, explaining that reporters tend to spotlight issues that press secretaries aim to frame positively, which necessitates asking uncomfortable questions.
“I don’t think you should have an amazing relationship with whoever the press secretary is because it’s just at odds with the nature of your job, right?” Collins said. “Reporters, you have to be a little antagonistic.”
Collins also pointed out the difficulties for any press secretary representing President Trump, emphasizing that “Trump thinks he’s his own best spokesperson.” This dynamic often leads to fewer responses compared to when dealing with former President Biden, she suggested.
While admitting to having “clashes” with Leavitt, Collins recollected a moment of mutual regard during a trip to the Middle East. She described an event during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2025, where she was part of the White House press pool. While covering a public gathering, she posed a question to the president, but he didn’t answer.
Following the president’s refusal to respond, the Saudi Royal Guard reacted with surprise at her audacity to ask a question. They informed her that she would be barred from the upcoming event, starting just a couple of minutes later, while also making negative whispers and gestures toward her.
“To her credit,” as Collins noted, Leavitt quickly intervened, insisting that the CNN anchor be allowed entry with the rest of the U.S. press pool. Thanks to Leavitt’s timely action, the situation was resolved without further complications.
“They famously do not like the media there, to put it lightly,” Collins explained. “I asked a shouted question to President Trump, who had seen me when the U.S. press came in. He didn’t answer… It’s their prerogative.”
“To her credit she said, ‘No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the U.S. press.’”
Collins emphasized how significant that moment was for her, especially representing the U.S. in a nation that doesn’t embrace press freedom—a fundamental aspect of the First Amendment in America.
She also highlighted other instances where journalists faced obstacles in obtaining crucial information, referencing Trump’s visit to North Korea.
