Tensions flared during a recent press briefing as Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, made headlines by abruptly removing CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins from the room following a heated exchange.
The drama unfolded after Collins posed what sources described as a “pointed and contentious” question about Trump’s recent legal troubles and media access. Leavitt, appearing visibly frustrated, paused the briefing and asked security to escort Collins out, sparking a media frenzy and fierce debate online.
Reporters in the room were stunned. “We’ve seen combative briefings before, but removing a major network anchor mid-question is something new,” one journalist told reporters outside the building.
Leavitt defended her actions shortly after, stating:
“We welcome fair questions from the press — but we will not allow biased grandstanding to hijack our platform. CNN and Kaitlan Collins have a long history of twisting narratives.”
Collins has not officially commented on the incident, but sources close to the anchor say she was “shocked” by the ejection and stands by the question she posed. CNN later issued a statement condemning the move, calling it “a blatant attack on press freedom.”
The event has quickly become a trending topic across social media, with supporters on both sides weighing in. Some are applauding Leavitt’s firm stance, while others are calling it a dangerous precedent for handling the press.
With the 2024 campaign trail already heating up, one thing is clear: the relationship between the Trump team and mainstream media is more volatile than ever.