In a recent Oval Office press meeting, President Donald Trump made personal remarks about CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, prompting Anderson Cooper to come to her defense. The incident occurred when Collins questioned Trump about his decision to drop the Anti-Weaponization fund, a move following a $10 billion lawsuit settlement with the IRS. Trump responded by criticizing CNN and Collins, calling the network ‘corrupt’ and making comments about Collins’ demeanor.

Trump’s Remarks and Media Response

Trump stated, ‘CNN’s a very corrupt organization, with a corrupt reporter standing right there.’ He continued with personal remarks about Collins, saying, ‘She’s a young, beautiful woman. Never smiles. I never see a smile on her face; I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes.’ These comments were perceived as an attack on Collins’ professionalism and appearance.

Anderson Cooper, during his show, refrained from involving Collins directly, stating, ‘I’m not asking Kaitlan about this because she’s got actual work to do.’ Cooper criticized Trump’s behavior, noting, ‘That’s the president of the United States, a nearly 80-year-old man who has no problem commenting on her physical appearance and telling her she needs to smile.’ He highlighted the disparity in treatment between male and female journalists, pointing out that such comments are rarely directed at men.

Broader Implications

Cooper also played a montage of Trump’s previous interactions with female reporters, showcasing a pattern of behavior. Journalist Tara Palmeri commented on the situation, stating, ‘What you are seeing is a day in the life of a woman. She’s a powerful woman, and he’s objectifying her.’ Cooper concluded by highlighting the hypocrisy of the situation, noting the lack of similar comments towards male journalists present.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and the media, particularly with female journalists, and raises questions about the treatment of women in professional settings.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.