Trump Attacks Reporters as ‘Dummies’ Outside White House Following Oval Office Tirade
President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against the press on Wednesday afternoon, labeling members of the media “dummies” and “stupid” while taking questions outside the White House. The outburst occurred just one day after a tense Oval Office confrontation involving another journalist.
During Wednesday’s exchange, CNN Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins attempted to question the president regarding his recent decision to waive sanctions on Russia. The sanctions had been included in a legislative bill signed by the president last month, but the administration opted to waive them just days before they were scheduled to take effect.
The waiver has drawn substantial criticism, including rebukes from several Republican lawmakers. When Collins pressed him on the matter, Trump defended his executive authority over the measures.
“I have the right to do them any day,” Trump stated on Wednesday, addressing the implementation of the sanctions. He began to outline potential consequences if Russia acted “badly” before Collins interjected with a follow-up question.
Interrupting the reporter, Trump dismissed the inquiry and launched a personal attack. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he told Collins, waving her away. “You’re a low-IQ person, you’re a dummy, and you work for CNN.”
The White House exchange followed closely on the heels of another heated encounter between the president and a reporter in the Oval Office. Administration officials have not issued further comment regarding the escalating tensions with White House correspondents.
