Trump Calls Kaitlin Collins "Stupid and Nasty"

Trump’s Outburst on Truth Social Over Ballroom Costs

On a recent post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump launched a heated attack against CNN journalist Caitlin Collins. The incident began when Collins asked Trump about the increased costs of his new ballroom construction. In response, Trump took to the platform to express his frustration, calling Collins “stupid and nasty.” His post started with a direct jab at her, labeling her as part of “Fake News CNN,” which he claimed is always “stupid and nasty.”

Trump recounted the exchange that led to his anger, suggesting that Collins’ question was not meant to inform the public but rather to embarrass him. He framed her inquiry as an example of the biased and antagonistic coverage he often criticizes. This reaction quickly shifted from the original topic of project costs to a broader critique of the media, transforming a minor construction question into a full-scale political grievance.

Defending the Ballroom Project

In an effort to justify the higher costs, Trump provided his own explanation for the increased expenses. He stated, “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.” He went on to assure his supporters that the ballroom was “actually under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are,” describing it as “much DISCOVERTRENDger and more beautiful than originally planned.”

Through this narrative, Trump positioned himself as a master builder whose projects exceed expectations. At the same time, he portrayed Collins’ question as both uninformed and malicious. The post framed the ballroom not just as a physical space but as another symbol in his ongoing battle with the media.

Addressing Public Speculation

Trump also addressed public speculation about the financing of the ballroom, insisting that it was not a burden on taxpayers. He wrote: “Interestingly, and seldom reported, there are no taxpayer dollars involved. It is being fully paid for by private donations.” This statement allowed him to cast himself as transparent and unfairly maligned, suggesting that critics — including Collins — intentionally overlook facts that portray him positively.

After asserting the legitimacy of the funding, he pivoted back to his media attacks, claiming that CNN operates dishonestly and that the leadership overseeing the network is “one of the worst in the business.”

A Broader Assault on CNN

Trump capped his Truth Social tirade with a direct attack on the network itself and its ownership, shifting from personal insults toward Caitlin Collins to a broader assault on CNN’s legitimacy. He wrote: “FAKE NEWS CNN, and the guy who runs the whole corrupt operation that owns it, is one of the worst in the business. Their ratings are so low that they’re not even counted or relevant anymore.”

By ending on that line, Trump turned a question about construction costs into a referendum on the media. He used ratings as his preferred metric of worth and relevance while painting CNN as both corrupt and powerless. The closing flourish made clear that, in his framing, Collins is only a symptom of a DISCOVERTRENDger enemy: a news organization he wants his supporters to see as dishonest, collapsing, and fundamentally hostile to him. This reinforced the idea that any scrutiny of his projects or finances is not journalism but partisan warfare.