At an Ohio MAGA rally, President Donald Trump repeatedly attacked CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, accusing her of "never" smiling and drawing boos from the crowd. Collins, 34, appeared unconcerned and recently displayed a mug on her show reading "America Needs Nasty Women." The White House Rapid Response Team also criticized Collins on social media, and The Daily Beast sought comment from both the White House and CNN. Observers compared the exchange to past episodes in which Trump targeted female journalists.
Trump Singles Out CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Crowd Boos at Ohio Rally
CNN news anchor Kaitlan Collins with Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley: Smiling. / Julia Demaree Nikhinson / via REUTERS
At a raucous MAGA rally in Ohio on Saturday night, President Donald Trump repeatedly singled out CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, who was in the audience, accusing her of "never" smiling and prompting boos from the crowd.
Donald Trump vs. Kaitlan Collins / REUTERS/Nathan Howard ; John Nacion/Getty Images
Trump told the crowd,
"She’s such an unhappy person. She never smiles. She’s a very unhappy person."Those remarks echoed earlier attacks he has directed at Collins, whom he has previously called "stupid," "nasty," "crazy" and "average."
Kaitlan Collins at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars party: Smiling. / Danny Moloshok / REUTERS
Collins, 34, appeared to shrug off the attention. This week she featured a prominent mug on her desk during her show, The Source, that read "America Needs Nasty Women," a likely pointed response to the president's frequent barbs.
Kaitlan Collins talking to Donald Trump: Probably not smiling. / Leah Millis / REUTERS
Social media users reacted swiftly. Some mocked the president’s focus on Collins’ demeanor, while others coined terms like "Kaitlan Derangement Syndrome (KDS)." Several observers raised concerns about the safety and atmosphere for a lone journalist facing a jeering crowd of supporters.
During the rally, the White House Rapid Response Team posted on social media: "Ohio is not happy with Fake news CNN and Kaitlan Collins." The Daily Beast said it contacted both the White House and CNN for comment.
Context
Observers noted that Trump has a long history of targeting female journalists who challenge him. The exchange reminded some of a 2015 debate moment when Fox News host Megyn Kelly challenged Trump over his record of insulting women — an episode that produced a memorable and controversial response from him.
This incident adds another chapter to the ongoing tense relationship between Trump and several members of the press, raising familiar questions about rhetoric, media criticism, and the safety of reporters at high-profile political events.
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