U.S. President Donald Trump signs a bill to end the partial government shutdown, while U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) stand by his side, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 3, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump snapped at CNN's Kaitlan Collins during a press gaggle in the Oval Office on Tuesday after she asked Trump about his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Collins asked Trump if he read any of the 3 million new Epstein files his Department of Justice released last week, which included correspondence from Trump allies Howard Lutnick, his Commerce Secretary, and Elon Musk with the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Trump shrugged off the question.
Collins followed up by asking about the redactions in the documents. Analysts found more than 40 instances in which the DOJ failed to redact sensitive information about the survivors, sparking a firestorm among them.
The confrontation occurred after the president signed a bill to end the government shutdown.
"What would you say to survivors who are seeking justice?" Collins asked.
"What did you say? You are so bad. You are the worst reporter," Trump snapped back. "CNN has no ratings because of people like you."
Trump then unleashed a sexist attack.
"You know, she's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile," Trump said to Collins. "I've known you for 10 years. I don't think I've ever seen you smile."