The Hidden Feud: Karoline Leavitt vs. Kaitlan Collins

In the high-stakes world of American politics and media, public confrontations often mask deeper tensions simmering beneath the surface. One such undercurrent involves White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent, Kaitlan Collins. While their interactions during press briefings have been widely reported, the complexities of their relationship suggest a rivalry that extends beyond mere professional disagreements.

The Rise of Karoline Leavitt

Karoline Leavitt, born in 1997, has quickly ascended the ranks of American politics. A graduate of Saint Anselm College, she began her career in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence before becoming the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history in 2025 under President Donald Trump. Leavitt’s tenure has been marked by her assertive defense of the administration’s policies and her confrontational style with the press .

Kaitlan Collins: A Persistent Journalist

Kaitlan Collins, on the other hand, has built a reputation as a tenacious journalist. Starting her career at The Daily Caller, she joined CNN in 2017 and quickly rose through the ranks. Known for her incisive questioning, Collins has often found herself at odds with the Trump administration, challenging narratives and seeking accountability .

Public Confrontations

Their professional interactions have frequently made headlines. In March 2025, during a White House press briefing, Collins attempted to ask a follow-up question regarding the administration’s handling of released Signal texts from Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. Leavitt, visibly irritated, refused to allow Collins to continue, stating, “Not taking your follow-up” .

Earlier, in February 2025, Collins questioned Leavitt about the administration’s decision to bar Associated Press journalists from covering presidential events over the outlet’s refusal to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its new name, the “Gulf of America.” Leavitt responded sharply, asserting, “It’s a privilege to cover this White House,” implying that reporters should be grateful for access, regardless of the administration’s demands .

Underlying Tensions

While these public exchanges highlight the friction between Leavitt and Collins, they may only scratch the surface. Sources within the White House suggest that Leavitt views Collins as a persistent adversary, challenging the administration’s narratives and seeking to undermine its credibility. Conversely, Collins perceives Leavitt’s responses as evasive and dismissive, undermining the principles of transparency and accountability that the press holds dear.

The media landscape further complicates this dynamic. Collins’ role as both a CNN anchor and the network’s chief White House correspondent places her in a unique position, balancing journalistic integrity with the demands of network ratings. This dual responsibility has led to increased scrutiny of her interactions with White House officials, including Leavitt .

The Broader Implications

The rivalry between Leavitt and Collins underscores a larger battle over the control of information and the role of the press in holding power to account. As the Trump administration continues to face criticism over its handling of classified information and press access, the interactions between its press secretary and the media serve as a microcosm of the broader tensions between the government and the Fourth Estate.

In conclusion, the relationship between Karoline Leavitt and Kaitlan Collins is emblematic of the challenges facing modern journalism and political communication. Their confrontations, both public and private, reflect the ongoing struggle for transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas in an increasingly polarized environment. As this rivalry continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the future of political reporting and press relations in the United States.