On Wednesday, Veterans Secretary Doug Collins took on network host Kaitlan Collins when he appeared on CNN's “Source.” He made the so-called Signalgate story an emphasis on interviews about veterans.
Doug Collins suggested that CNN stands up to the CNN host with her tactics, and that CNN has a “veterans issue.”
Kaitlan Collins: You served in the Navy and the Air Force. How did you feel about this kind of information when you have a naval fighter pilot in the air in an uncategorized group chat?
Doug Collins: Well, I think it's one thing, Kaitlan – it's good to be with you tonight. I think the people involved in chat with the president I wasn't involved in chat explained that. I trust the President's opinion on that. I trust what's going on.
Everyone has the right to receive their opinions. And in my opinion, my job is to take care of the veterans of this country as they come out of service, and that's what I'm trying to do.
K. Collins: I've heard from some of your former colleagues on the hill today that they don't like how the administration handles this, and they tie the knot by saying it's not classified information. But do you think a mistake happened here to have this conversation, add reporters and have it in an unsupported, unclassified group setting?
D. Collins: Catelan, like I told you, I just answered the question. I wasn't part of it. And I'm not going to speculate more than the president has already spoken about. But I want to talk about veterans.
K. Collins: Yes, and I have a question about veterans.
But considering what we saw in group chat and how this was used. You are a member of the cabinet. You obviously know these other members, some of them who were there. Is this typical for cabinets to have conversations over signals? Is this what you use?
D. Collins: Catelan, you definitely don't want to talk about the VA, so I'd like to ask you as a secretary, as a cabinet. Because my job is to care for veterans.
And I'd like to know why CNN is hostile to veterans, especially veterans in Florida. In fact, one of your employees actually said, we're going to nail him.
Catelan, I have a question for you. Is that employee still employed? Are you really worried about veterans? So, if we don't want to talk about veterans now, if you want to talk about everything else, I'd like to hear from CNN as a veteran cabinet secretary, why does CNN seem to have problems with veterans?
K. Collins: Well, Mr. Secretary, my question was in honor –
D. Collins: No, answer my question, Catelan.
K. Collins: – Use this as a member of the cabinet, whether you're talking about you or not.
D. Collins: Answer my question, Catelan.
K. Collins: And with respect, I'm doing the research. And I have a lot of questions about veteran issues. But I don't think it would be unfair to ask –
D. Collins: No, Catelan, what you want to do is that you want to talk about the subject –
K. Collins: – You as a member of the cabinet –
D. Collins: What you want to do is talk about the subject I have already answered. And if you want to continue doing this, like this it's fine. But we have VA employees who work very hard. There are veterans who take care of me from the VA. They can benefit from the VA. So I asked your question and answered. Would you like to give my answer? Are you still here – is this person still employed?
K. Collins: Sir –
D. Collins: – For the sake of honor and loss, and did you solve the case? Please answer my question.
[21:25:00]
K. Collins: In honor of my opinion, I'm asking the question here, but I'm not involved in what you're referring to there.
D. Collins: No, I'm-
K. Collins: But if you don't want to answer questions about whether it's common or not –
D. Collins: I'm not –
K. Collins: – Because the secretary in the cabinet uses the signal.
