Sometimes even critics have to admit when the White House gets it right — and this is one of those moments. CNN host Kaitlan Collins revealed that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt personally defended her press access during President Donald Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on Heather McMahan’s podcast, Collins explained that she shouted a question to Trump during a press moment — which, last time anyone checked, is kind of how journalism works. Trump saw her but did not answer, which Collins described as normal practice: leaders answer or they don’t. Their call. Democracy is wild like that.
The real drama started afterward. Collins said the Saudi Royal Guard “kind of freaked out” because she dared to ask a question. Apparently, free press isn’t exactly part of the daily schedule over there. When Collins tried to attend the next press event, Saudi authorities attempted to block her from entering and told her she would not be allowed inside.
She noticed officials whispering and pointing at her, while some younger White House staffers weren’t sure how to respond. That’s when Leavitt stepped in. According to Collins, Leavitt made it clear: “No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the U.S. press.” And just like that, the situation was shut down before it turned into a bigger problem.
“To her credit, she, without a doubt, was like, ‘No, you’re coming in,’” Collins said, noting how important that was while representing the U.S. press abroad. In other words, Leavitt wasn’t about to let American journalists be treated like they were in a country without a free press — even if they’re from CNN.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Collins added that a similar incident occurred during a previous Trump visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone. She also acknowledged her frequent clashes with Trump while covering the White House. Trump has called her “stupid and nasty” and recently criticized her for not smiling during an Oval Office exchange. He has also threatened lawsuits against the press — because, clearly, subtlety has never been his brand.
Still, Collins has admitted that Trump has “embraced” the media in ways other presidents did not. She noted that veteran reporters have observed Trump changed the media dynamic, pointing out that former President Obama almost never answered shouted questions.
So while Trump may battle the press, his administration just proved something important: when it comes to American journalists abroad, even the toughest White House doesn’t leave them behind. And that’s a win for press freedom — whether the media likes to admit it or not.
