Jake Tapper responds to Trump's insults towards CNN host Kaitlan Collins

Jake Tapper reacted to President Donald Trumps recent criticism of his CNN colleague Kaitlan Collins, who was labeled stupid and nasty by Trump after asking a question he found uncomfortable. The presidents comments appeared in a post on Truth Social on Saturday morning.

Trump targeted CNN, which he referred to as fake news, and criticized Collinsmisspelling her nameover her inquiry about the costs of the new White House ballroom, which have exceeded initial projections. Trump explained that the increased expenses were due to the ballroom being larger than planned and featuring high-quality finishes. He emphasized that the project is under budget, ahead of schedule, and funded entirely by private donations, not taxpayer money.

Trumps post read in part: "Caitlin Collins of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty, asked me why the new Ballroom was costing more money than originally thought one year ago. I said because it is going to be double the size, and the quality of finishes and interiors has been brought to the highest level. Also, the column SPAN has been substantially increased for purposes of viewing."

In response on X, Tapper defended Collins, describing her as smart and nice, and affirmed that her question about the White House construction project was legitimate. He also corrected the presidents spelling of her name. Tapper outlined his response in a six-point tweet:

1. Kaitlan Collins
2. Shes smart
3. Shes nice
4. Its a legitimate question about construction of a controversial project on White House grounds
5. Thanks for the explanation
6. Generally speaking, if someone or something is irrelevant, the President doesnt talk about them

Tapper noted the irony of Trump calling CNN irrelevant while frequently discussing the network, and thanked the president for the clarification.

On CNNs The Source on Friday, Collins reported on the White House ballroom project, highlighting its increased size and cost, while reiterating that it is funded through private donations. Although she met Trump at the Kennedy Center red carpet on Friday, she focused her questions on his FIFA Peace Prize and U.S.-Venezuela relations, not the ballroom.

Author: Sophia Brooks