A journalist whom Donald Trump labeled as ‘stupid’ and ‘nasty’ has delivered a strong rejoinder after being singled out by the former president.
Trump’s interactions with journalists, particularly female journalists, have been under significant scrutiny following an incident where he told a female reporter to “quiet piggy” during a question session.
In a recent development, the former US president ignited another controversy with the media by calling a female CNN reporter ‘nasty’ and ‘stupid’.
Kaitlan Collins, CNN’s White House correspondent and host of The Source with Kaitlan Collins, posed a question to Trump during a press briefing about the ongoing renovations at the White House.
The renovations include constructing a large ballroom, which Trump claims is privately funded.
Following the conference, Trump took to social media on December 6, launching a tirade about Collins’ question and even misspelling her name in the process.
He posted on Truth Social: “Caitlin Collin’s of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago.
“I said because it is going to be double the size, and the quality of finishes and interiors has been brought to the highest level. Also, the column SPAN has been substantially increased for purposes of viewing.”
Trump continued by asserting that the project is ‘under budget and ahead of schedule’ and is ‘much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned’.
He added that the ballroom, which required the demolition of a historic wing of the White House, is ‘fully funded by private donations’ with ‘no taxpayer dollars involved’.
His rant extended to criticize ‘FAKE NEWS CNN’.
In defense of their reporter, a CNN spokesperson stated: ‘Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist, reporting every day from the White House and the field with real depth and tenacity.
‘She skillfully brings that reporting to the anchor chair and CNN platforms every day, which audiences around the world know they can trust.’
Collins later responded on her Instagram Stories, posting a screenshot of Trump’s message with the added comment: “Technically my question was about Venezuela.”
This pointed out the bombing of a vessel off the Venezuelan coast, resulting in over 80 casualties.
The attacks have faced widespread condemnation, particularly due to the allegation of a ‘double tap’ strike, where a subsequent strike targets survivors of the initial attack, which is deemed a war crime under international law.
The Trump administration has refuted any claims of violating international law during these attacks.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated: “Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in complete compliance with the law of armed conflict.”