Press Secretary Leavitt to CNN’s Collins: “Try Reporting for a Change”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t hold back during a fiery exchange with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins on Monday, challenging the reporter to “actually report” on the escalating violence in Portland instead of parroting Democratic talking points.
The clash came as Collins pressed Leavitt on President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been targeted by Antifa-linked rioters — while local law enforcement has largely refused to intervene.
“I spoke to the police chief of Portland last week. He said that the president’s claims just don’t match up with what’s happening on the ground,” Collins said, implying that the administration was exaggerating the unrest. “Have you spoken to anyone who actually wants the National Guard there?”
Leavitt didn’t flinch. “I would encourage you, as a reporter, to go on the ground and take a look for yourself,” she shot back. “Because there’s been many members of the press — not the press in this room, but independent journalists — some of whom we’ll be inviting to the White House very soon to share their stories.”
Leavitt cited footage of ongoing street violence, where ICE agents have been doxxed, firebombed, and physically assaulted, while federal property has been vandalized or set ablaze. “They have been in the middle of these riots, and they have witnessed the anarchy that is taking place night after night. It’s on video!”
As Collins tried to interject, Leavitt pushed forward: “You have a great opportunity in primetime on CNN to show your audience what’s actually happening — but instead you’re probably talking to partisan Democrat officials who are opposed to everything this president does.”
Leavitt encouraged Collins to go beyond official talking points and speak directly with residents of Portland. “Ask them if they feel safe. Ask them what it’s like to live with nightly chaos on their streets,” she said. “These people are not there to peacefully protest — they are there to cause mayhem and havoc.”
The sharp exchange underscored the growing tension between the White House and legacy media outlets like CNN, as the administration defends its response to violent uprisings while highlighting the failure of Democrat-run cities to restore order.
While Collins tried to downplay the need for federal assistance, Leavitt made it clear the administration is listening to the Americans who live in these communities — not just the city hall insiders trying to spin the narrative.