'I’ve never seen you smile': Questioned on Epstein victims, Trump attacks reporter instead | WATCH

When CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins asked what message Trump had for survivors who believe justice has not been delivered, the president escalated his response into a direct personal attack.

During an Oval Office exchange, Trump dismissed questions about newly released Epstein files and shifted focus from survivors to attacking CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, calling her dishonest and urging the country to move on from the Epstein case.

Did our AI summary help?

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed questions about newly released files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and launched a personal attack on a CNN reporter during an Oval Office interaction, shifting the focus from survivors of sexual abuse to the journalist’s demeanor.

The exchange unfolded when Kaitlan Collins asked Trump whether he had reviewed the latest tranche of Epstein-related documents released by the Justice Department. The files include references to high profile figures such as Elon Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

“No,” Trump replied. “I have a lot of things I’m doing. I don’t know. You mentioned two names. I’m sure they’re fine. Otherwise there would have been major headlines.”

Question on survivors sparks clash

Collins followed up by raising concerns expressed by survivors over heavy redactions in the documents. Trump cut her off mid question.

“Well, I’ve also heard they thought they released too much,” he said. “And now you’re telling me something else.”

He then suggested that the country should move past the Epstein case altogether.

“I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else,” Trump said. “Now that nothing came out about me. Other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally, by Epstein and other people.”

He added, “I think it’s time for the country to get on to something else. Like healthcare or something that people care about.”

Personal attack on the reporter

When Collins asked what message Trump had for survivors who believe justice has not been delivered, the president escalated his response into a direct personal attack.

“You are so bad. You are the worst reporter,” Trump told Collins. “CNN has the worst ratings because of people like you. You know, she’s a young woman and I’ve never seen you smile. I’ve known you for ten years, I’ve never seen a smile on your face.”

Collins responded, “I’m asking about survivors of a sexual abuser.”

Trump continued his criticism, saying, “You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth.”

He added, “It’s a very dishonest organisation and they should be ashamed of you,” referring to CNN.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins)

Exchange continues after cameras move

As reporters were ushered out of the Oval Office, Trump could still be heard complaining about Collins to a Republican lawmaker, again repeating his criticism that she never smiles.

The confrontation underscored Trump’s continued efforts to dismiss the Epstein files while reframing questions about accountability and survivors as attacks on his presidency and the media.