Staff Reports
During an executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office, President Trump took a decisive stand against CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, leaving no room for interruptions. The moment exemplified the ongoing battle between the mainstream media and a president who refuses to back down. As Trump signed an order imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries that charge the U.S. tariffs, she attempted to steer the conversation towards the potential negative impact of these tariffs on inflation. However, Trump wasn’t having any of it, reminding her that she hadn’t been invited to speak yet.
In typical Trump fashion, he made it clear who was in charge. After Collins floundered in her attempt to regain his attention, Trump smoothly redirected his focus to another reporter, dismissing her query with a pointed gesture. It was a display that could have easily been scripted for a reality TV show, showcasing the tension and often theatrical nature of White House press interactions. Collins must be getting used to this: it’s just another day at the office getting schooled by The Donald.
Watch: Trump Silences CNN's Kaitlan Collins When She Interrupts Executive Order Signing Ceremony via @WestJournalism https://t.co/fHeaNOSEMk
— Sal (@sh1161943) February 17, 2025
When Collins finally managed to pose her question—regarding who should be held responsible if prices spiked due to the tariffs—Trump confidently argued that jobs would increase significantly, defending his approach with typical bravado. He suggested that short-term prices might see a hike, but long-term, Americans could expect a financial windfall. Nothing rallies the spirits of conservative voters like the promise of jobs, and Trump was delivering just that while Collins struggled to get a word in edgewise.
To further bolster his point, Trump’s Commerce Secretary-nominee chimed in, noting the potential for other nations to respond favorably to the new tariff policies. After all, who doesn’t love a little healthy competition on the global stage? The previous administration tackled the issue with a 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports, and inflation was under control when Trump left office. The stark contrast between his tenure and the current state of affairs under Biden is a topic that certainly resonates with many conservative Americans itching to see a return to those “America First” principles.
Not one to shy away from pushing back against the media, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was also quick on her feet when Collins questioned the administration about its access policy. Leavitt reminded everyone that covering the White House is a privilege, and not a given right. This fiery defense against what some might call retaliatory media tactics reinforces the message: the Biden administration may not be keen on strong accountability for misleading journalism, but Trump’s team certainly is.
In a political climate so often muddled by uncertainty and inflationary fears, Trump’s confident assertions about job creation and economic resurgence likely resonate well with voters who yearn for clarity and direction. As he navigates the complexities of the current economic landscape while addressing an increasingly hostile press, the former president proves that he is not just a man of words but a man of action—whether or not the media likes it.
