CNN’s Kaitlan Collins was cut off mid-question by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday — less than 24 hours after the network’s star correspondent was shut down when trying to ask a follow-up to President Trump.
Leavitt was holding court with reporters during a White House briefing on Wednesday when she called on Collins, who asked her about the administration’s handling of the released Signal texts by Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.
“Does the president feel that he was misled by his national security advisers, whoever it was that told him there was no classified information in there now that he’s seen these messages?” Collins asked Leavitt.
The 27-year-old White House press secretary appeared irritated by the question, another version of which was apparently asked by another reporter.
“I have now been asked and answered this question three times by the both of you,” Leavitt said, adding: “And I have given you my answer. The president feels the same as he did yesterday.”
Collins attempted to ask the press secretary a follow-up question, but was swiftly cut off by Leavitt, who called on another reporter in the room.
“I have a follow-up on what you have just said,” Collins said as another reporter was called upon to ask a question.
“Kaitlan, I am not taking your follow-up,” Leavitt said in response.
Collins once again tried to interject but was once again cut off by Leavitt, who more sternly said: “Kaitlan, I am not taking your follow-up.”
Other reporters also tried to ask Leavitt follow-up questions related to the Goldberg text messages but were also cut off during the course of the briefing. The Post has sought comment from the White House.
A CNN spokesperson declined to comment.
Last month, Leavitt butted heads with Collins after the CNN reporter asked for evidence supporting Trump’s claims that pardons issued by former President Biden were invalid because they were allegedly signed with an autopen.
The Atlantic magazine on Wednesday released previously unseen text exchanges among senior officials from the Trump administration detailing minute-by-minute operations and specific weaponry planned for recent military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The newly revealed texts directly contradict earlier White House assertions denying that classified information had been compromised in the controversial Signal messaging incident.
Goldberg, the editor-in-chief, shared additional portions of the conversation from a group labeled “Houthi PC small group channel,” disclosing sensitive details surrounding a March 15 military action.
“If this text had been received by someone hostile to American interests — or someone merely indiscreet, and with access to social media — the Houthis would have had time to prepare for what was meant to be a surprise attack on their strongholds,” Goldberg wrote, specifically highlighting a message authored by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Trump sharply interrupted Collins during a White House press briefing on Tuesday, preventing her from fully posing questions related to the messaging controversy.
During an event attended by ambassadors at the White House, Collins, who frequently clashes with the president, attempted to question Trump about the incident.
“Mr. President, you said that your national security learned a lesson after a reporter –,” Collins began.
Trump swiftly cut her off, responding curtly: “Excuse me, I didn’t pick you.”
He immediately directed his attention to another journalist present, signaling, “Go ahead.”
Before Trump cut off Collins’ follow-up, he took two questions from the CNN reporter.
Earlier this year, Collins pressed Trump in the Oval Office about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, specifically questioning Trump’s trust in the Russian leader.
“I believe he wants peace,” Trump had initially said about Putin.
“I believe that President Putin — when I spoke to him yesterday, I mean, I know him very well — yeah, I think he wants peace. I think he would tell me if he didn’t.”
Collins interrupted, asking, “Do you trust President Putin?”
Trump responded by attacking Collins and CNN’s credibility.
“I know [Biden is] a friend of yours. He’s a friend of CNN. That’s why nobody watches CNN anymore. Because they have no credibility,” Trump shot back, provoking laughter from several other reporters present.
