Kaitlan Collins replayed a heated Oval Office exchange in which President Trump interrupted and insulted her when she began asking about Jeffrey Epstein survivors. Collins and CNN contributor Kara Swisher said the outburst highlighted how Trump frames issues by how they affect him and appeared to dismiss survivors' concerns. The Justice Department recently released roughly 3 million more Epstein-related files, though about half of an estimated 6 million documents remain unreleased.
Kaitlan Collins Rebukes Trump After Oval Office Insults During Epstein Question
Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years, has repeatedly melted down at reporters who have asked him about the convicted sex trafficker. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins on Tuesday replayed footage of a tense Oval Office exchange in which President Donald Trump repeatedly interrupted and insulted her after she began asking about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Collins, 33, started to ask, "What would you say to survivors—" when the 79-year-old president cut her off, launched personal attacks and refused to let her finish the question. Trump told Collins, "You are so bad. You know, you are the worst reporter. No wonder CNN has no ratings because of people like you." He added to others in the room, "She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile... You know why you're not smiling? Because you know you're not telling the truth, and you're a very dishonest organization, and they should be ashamed of you."
"You are so bad. You know, you are the worst reporter... CNN has no ratings because of people like you."
On Tuesday night’s edition of The Source, Collins replayed the clip and spoke with CNN contributor Kara Swisher about the confrontation and what it revealed about the president’s mindset regarding the Epstein records. Collins said the exchange "shed some light" on how Trump views developments largely through the lens of how they affect him. Swisher described his reaction as a "reality distortion field" and added that Collins’ question about victims likely struck a nerve.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) looks on as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing in the Oval Office of the White House on February 03, 2026 in Washington, DC. / Alex Wong / Getty Images
Context: The Epstein Files
The Justice Department last Friday released roughly 3 million additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein — including some unredacted images and improperly redacted files that exposed sensitive material. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department had "completed" its review, although the DOJ has previously acknowledged holding about 6 million files tied to the Epstein matter, roughly half of which remain unreleased.
Pattern Of Personal Attacks
Trump has a documented history of launching verbal attacks at female reporters, including prior comments directed at Collins. In December he posted a message on Truth Social that misnamed and called her "stupid." Other incidents include his outburst at Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, when he said, "Quiet! Quiet, piggy," and a subsequent tirade at an ABC News correspondent in which he suggested she "go back and learn how to be a reporter."
The exchange with Collins underscores broader questions about access, accountability and how public figures respond when confronted with questions about sensitive investigative materials. Collins and Swisher both urged fuller transparency on what has been released and what remains withheld in the Epstein files.
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