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CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins recently expressed her perspective on how former President Donald Trump has engaged with the media in ways that set him apart from his predecessors. In a recent podcast appearance, she detailed her experiences covering the White House under both Trump and Barack Obama.
During her conversation with Jason Tartick on the podcast titled Trading Secrets, Collins noted that even seasoned journalists recognize the shift in media dynamics that Trump has brought. She stated, “When you speak to reporters who covered President Obama, he almost never responded to shouted questions. It wasn’t his thing. He would have his moments with world leaders, and then you would leave the Oval. Trump kind of upended that when he came into the White House. Sometimes presidents are press-averse. Trump embraced the media.”
This self-described willingness to engage has led to significant changes in how reporters cover the presidency. Collins reflected on Trump’s long-standing relationship with the media as a New York businessman, suggesting that his background has equipped him with unique skills in navigating press interactions.Trump’s Media Savvy Stands Out
Collins explained, “He did it for decades as like this New York mogul, and so he just had a different approach to the press and always has long before taking office. Most politicians are not very press-savvy. It kind of depends on who it is.” This observation underscores a broader truth about the symbiotic relationship between the media and presidential communications.
One of the most interesting aspects of Trump’s presidency was his tendency to treat various events as media opportunities. Collins noted that she maintains a running list of questions for every White House event, emphasizing that Trump often turned unexpected moments into extended press conferences.
“Trump will swear someone in, and then he’ll turn to you and say, ‘Any questions?’ And he’ll take questions for 45 minutes,” Collins said. This adaptability characterized many of Trump’s public appearances, making them unique compared to previous administrations.
Collins further illustrated Trump’s accessibility to the media, recounting instances when she directly sought comments from him. She emphasized how open he has been to questions, even in critical situations.
“I would just call him directly,” she said. “I didn’t make a habit out of it, but if there was something huge happening like the day of the Mar-a-Lago raid when the FBI showed up and executed a search warrant over the classified documents. We had heard it was happening. Our people on the ground in Florida were trying to get in touch with law enforcement sources. And it was kind of one of those moments where I was like, ‘We will be best served if I just call him directly and ask if this is true.’ And it was true. And he sent me the statement immediately confirming it.”
Recognizing the Press’s Role
Despite their often contentious exchanges during news conferences, Collins acknowledged Trump’s willingness to engage with her and the media, recalling moments where press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended her during contentious moments. During Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, she recounted an incident where she faced backlash from the royal guard for asking a question in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“They were deeply upset that I had asked a question,” she said. “To Karoline Leavitt’s credit, she was like, ‘No, Kaitlan’s coming in with the rest of the U.S. press.’” This incident highlights how press access can be influenced by both political dynamics and international relations.
Collins reaffirmed the importance of maintaining press access, stating, “I think things like that, you can disagree about questions and briefings and whatnot. Press access is key, and every administration, I think, should protect that.” This sentiment resonates as media access remains a critical factor in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance.
As media coverage of the presidency continues to evolve, Collins’ observations of Trump’s media engagement remind us of both the challenges and opportunities that come with covering a president who approaches the media landscape with a distinct mindset.
Embracing Change in Presidential Communications
Trump’s unique approach to media has reshaped expectations for press access and interaction in the realm of politics. As future administrations prepare to take office, they may find themselves reassessing traditional norms in light of how Trump has changed the media narrative.
The legacy of Trump’s media strategies may linger, influencing how both politicians and journalists define their roles moving forward. In a rapidly changing media landscape, the ongoing dialogue between the media and the administration will likely define the contours of contemporary journalism in politics.
