Former Trump administration spokesperson Sarah Matthews sharply criticized President Trump on Wednesday for his latest remarks targeting CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, labeling them as part of a pattern of misogynistic attacks.
Appearing on CNN's “NewsNight,” Matthews defended Collins as a highly skilled journalist and argued that Trump singles her out precisely because of her effectiveness. “Kaitlan Collins is a very, very good reporter. She’s the best at what she does, and I think that’s why you see Trump go after her more ferociously than any other reporter in that room,” Matthews said.
Matthews zeroed in on Trump’s repeated demand that Collins smile while doing her job. “It is disgusting to watch him tell a woman that she needs to smile while doing her job,” she added. “I’ve seen Kaitlan smile plenty of times, but when she’s asking someone a hard-hitting question, I don’t think that that means that she has to smile while doing it. And he brings it up time and time again, and it’s these misogynistic attacks, not just against Kaitlan.”
The controversy erupted after Trump, during an Oval Office press availability, answered a question about the now-defunct “anti-weaponization” fund, calling it a “beautiful thing.” He then pivoted to attack CNN, describing the network as “crooked as hell” and “a very corrupt organization,” before turning his ire directly on Collins.
“But with a corrupt reporter standing right there, never smiles,” Trump said, gesturing toward Collins. “You never see a young, beautiful woman who never smiles. I never see a smile on her face. I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes.”
This is not the first time Trump has made such comments. The president has a long history of remarks widely viewed as misogynistic or demeaning toward women. He has frequently criticized Collins’s appearance and demeanor, including an earlier incident this year when he attacked her for not smiling at him.
Political observers note that Trump’s targeting of female journalists fits a broader pattern that has also surfaced in other contexts. For instance, his net approval ratings have hit record lows amid ongoing crises, and some analysts suggest such attacks may further erode his standing with key demographics.
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment on Matthews’s criticism and the president’s remarks.
