CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins offered unexpected praise for Donald Trump’s media engagement style during a Monday podcast appearance, acknowledging that the former president has approached press relations differently than his predecessors in ways that have fundamentally changed White House dynamics.
Collins appeared on Jason Tartick’s podcast “Trading Secrets” on October 7, 2025, where she discussed her experiences covering the White House as both a correspondent and anchor. Her comments revealed a perspective on Trump’s media accessibility that contrasts sharply with the often contentious relationship between the president and CNN.
During the interview, Collins noted that veteran reporters who covered former President Barack Obama have observed a stark difference in media engagement styles. She explained that Obama almost never responded to shouted questions from reporters, preferring formal settings with world leaders before dismissing the press from the Oval Office.
Collins indicated that Trump fundamentally altered this dynamic upon entering the White House. She stated, “Trump embraced the media,” explaining that his decades-long experience as a New York mogul shaped his different approach to press relations compared to other politicians who typically lack press savvy.
The CNN anchor revealed that she maintains a running list of potential questions for White House events because Trump has been known to transform routine ceremonies into impromptu press conferences. Collins described scenarios where Trump would swear someone in, then turn to reporters asking if they had any questions, subsequently taking inquiries for 45 minutes.
Collins also disclosed that she has personally contacted Trump directly for comments on major news stories, demonstrating an unusual level of presidential accessibility to the media. She recounted calling Trump directly on the day of the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago regarding classified documents, when her team was struggling to get confirmation from law enforcement sources. Collins explained that Trump immediately sent her a statement confirming the search warrant execution.
Despite this apparent accessibility, Collins and Trump have frequently clashed during press conferences. Trump has publicly criticized Collins, calling her a “low-rated anchor” and remarking that nobody watches CNN anymore. These tensions have played out in various White House settings, including recent confrontations over immigration policies and other contentious topics.
The relationship between Collins and Trump has remained professionally adversarial even as she acknowledges his unique media approach. In April 2025, during an Oval Office meeting with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, Trump repeatedly attacked Collins while she pressed both leaders about the status of a wrongly deported Maryland man, demonstrating the ongoing tensions between the network and the administration.
Collins’ podcast comments come amid her broader role covering high-profile political figures and controversial topics. Her interview style has drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters, with some media personalities questioning her approach to journalism and fairness in coverage.
The CNN anchor’s acknowledgment of Trump’s media engagement represents a notable moment of professional recognition across traditional partisan media lines. Her observations about Trump’s accessibility contrast with typical presidential media relations, where formal press conferences and controlled messaging typically dominate interactions between the White House and news organizations.
Collins noted that most politicians struggle with press relations, making Trump’s approach distinctive in the political landscape. Her comments suggest that regardless of the contentious nature of their interactions, Trump’s willingness to engage directly with media representatives has created unprecedented opportunities for journalistic access to presidential perspectives.
The podcast appearance highlights the complex dynamics between news organizations and political figures, where professional relationships can exist alongside public disagreements and criticisms. Collins’ willingness to acknowledge Trump’s media engagement style demonstrates the nuanced nature of contemporary political journalism.