Trump Repeatedly Insults CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in Oval Office

In an Oval Office session, President Trump clashed with CNN anchor and White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins as she pressed him on the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran ordered returned to the US by the Supreme Court. 

Trump mocked Collins, calling her a “low-rated anchor” and attacking CNN’s credibility while fielding questions alongside El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.

Trump, Collins

Collins sought clarity on Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT megaprison under the Alien Enemies Act. The Trump administration alleged Abrego Garcia was an MS-13 gang member, a claim his family denies, prompting the Supreme Court’s April 10 directive to facilitate his release.

Trump dodged Collins’ initial question, citing CNN’s poor ratings before deferring to Attorney General Pam Bondi to

 justify the deportation. He then called on Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller, again slamming CNN’s “slanted” reporting and low viewership. Miller defended the action, labeling Abrego Garcia an illegal immigrant and suspected gang member, and criticized media for dictating El Salvador’s handling of its citizens.

Collins persisted, noting Trump’s prior commitment to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling, but he grew frustrated, questioning her focus and repeating that CNN’s lack of credibility explained its unpopularity. 

Despite a March 31 filing admitting Abrego Garcia’s removal was an “administrative error,” Miller denied this, claiming the responsible Justice Department attorney was mistaken and removed.