No one realized that Karoline Leavitt and Kaitlan Collins’ brutal feud had already begun

In the competitive and relentless world of political journalism, tensions between reporters and government spokespersons are nothing new.

However, few could have predicted the ferocity of the feud currently unfolding between Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in American history, and Kaitlan Collins, CNN’s esteemed Chief White House Correspondent.

Until recently, their professional interactions appeared standard. But insiders and keen observers have begun to notice cracks in the façade, revealing a growing hostility that has rapidly escalated into a brutal public confrontation.

Karoline Leavitt, a 27-year-old former congressional candidate and rising star within conservative circles, made history when appointed by President Trump as White House Press Secretary in early 2025. Her fresh approach and aggressive defense of administration policies have quickly made her a polarizing figure.

Meanwhile, Kaitlan Collins has built her reputation as a fearless, no-nonsense reporter known for her rigorous questioning and relentless pursuit of facts, traits that earned her accolades and respect from her peers.

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The friction between Leavitt and Collins first subtly emerged during routine White House press briefings. On March 17, 2025, tensions came to the surface during a contentious exchange.

Grinning Karoline Leavitt's hostile seven-word comment to CNN's Kaitlan  Collins - Irish Star

Collins questioned Leavitt regarding President Trump’s assertions about allegedly invalid pardons issued by former President Joe Biden, purportedly signed with an autopen.

Collins demanded proof or documentation to substantiate Trump’s explosive claims. Leavitt sharply retorted, “You’re a journalist; maybe you should do some investigative reporting,” instantly changing the atmosphere in the briefing room.

This exchange was initially perceived as typical sparring. However, subsequent interactions indicated a deeper issue. On March 26, another notable confrontation took place, further evidencing the growing feud.

Collins asked a pointed question about sensitive Signal messages leaked by The Atlantic’s editor Jeffrey Goldberg. Visibly irritated, Leavitt interrupted Collins mid-question, abruptly stating, “Kaitlan, I am not taking your follow-up,” before quickly moving to another reporter.

Such visible dismissals of Collins became increasingly frequent, prompting speculation among media analysts and the press corps. Observers began to note Leavitt’s pattern of selectively responding to journalists, intentionally avoiding Collins’ inquiries.

Analysts suggest Leavitt’s tactics are designed to diminish Collins’ influence in the briefing room by limiting her access to responses and attempting to marginalize her professional credibility.

Video: Kaitlan Collins asks Leavitt about recent firings at DOJ | CNN  Politics

Behind-the-scenes reports suggest the feud extends beyond professional disagreements. Sources within the White House and CNN indicate personal animosity between Leavitt and Collins has been brewing for months.

Leavitt reportedly perceives Collins’ reporting style as confrontational and biased against the Trump administration. Conversely, Collins sees Leavitt’s tactics as a deliberate attempt to undermine journalistic integrity and obstruct transparency.

Political commentators highlight that this clash represents broader tensions between the administration and media organizations viewed as critical or oppositional.

Leavitt’s confrontational approach aligns with Trump’s historical antagonism towards mainstream media, particularly CNN. Collins, representing one of the administration’s fiercest journalistic challengers, embodies the rigorous accountability sought by critics of the Trump administration.

Public reaction to the feud has been sharply divided along partisan lines. Conservative commentators applaud Leavitt for “standing firm against media bias,” praising her combative style as necessary for countering hostile press coverage.

Karoline Leavitt Jabs At CNN's Kaitlan Collins During Press Conference |  iHeart

In contrast, journalism advocates and progressive media figures defend Collins, condemning Leavitt’s behavior as an attempt to intimidate journalists and evade accountability.

Further complicating the feud is the extensive social media attention it has garnered. Clips of their exchanges have repeatedly gone viral, sparking heated debates across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Supporters on both sides have mobilized online, with hashtags like StandWithKaroline and SupportKaitlan trending regularly. The viral nature of their conflict amplifies its visibility and magnifies its implications, further entrenching supporters and detractors in their respective positions.

Media experts have expressed concern about the feud’s impact on journalistic norms. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki remarked in a recent MSNBC interview, “This type of confrontational relationship between a press secretary and a reporter is detrimental to the health of our democracy. It’s crucial that both sides maintain professionalism to serve the public interest effectively.”

Meanwhile, prominent conservative voices, including Fox News personalities, have openly supported Leavitt. Tucker Carlson praised Leavitt’s “bold approach,” claiming it represents a refreshing break from traditional political communications that often prioritize politeness over substance.

CNN's Kaitlan Collins ripped by Karoline Leavitt over question about  Biden's pardons

On the other hand, CNN’s Jake Tapper has publicly defended Collins, underscoring the critical role journalists play in holding public officials accountable.

As the feud intensifies, analysts predict further confrontations between Leavitt and Collins. Both figures possess considerable influence within their spheres, and neither seems inclined toward reconciliation or compromise.

With tensions at an all-time high, future press briefings are expected to be closely watched, likely serving as battlegrounds for continued clashes.

Ultimately, the Leavitt-Collins feud is not merely personal; it symbolizes the broader, deeply polarized landscape of American politics and media.

Their interactions serve as a microcosm of ongoing debates about press freedom, governmental transparency, and media bias. As both Leavitt and Collins continue their respective roles, observers can only watch and speculate how this intense rivalry might shape future political and journalistic discourse.

While the full extent of their feud’s impact remains uncertain, one fact is undeniable: Karoline Leavitt and Kaitlan Collins’ brutal feud had already begun, simmering unnoticed until it explosively broke into public view.