Trump Calls CNN Reporter 'Treasonous' in Late-Night Attack on Press

President Donald Trump attacked CNN and reporter Kaitlan Collins as "sick, treasonous, and demented" in a Tuesday night Truth Social post, escalating his administration's efforts to restrict press coverage it dislikes following a weekend ban of CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House press pool. The outburst came after CNN aired footage of Trump confronting Collins at the United Nations, where he questioned her presence despite her outlet's stated intention not to cover him. Press freedom groups condemned the rhetoric, with the Committee to Protect Journalists warning that using government tools against critical outlets normalizes the idea that officials decide which journalists are legitimate. Legal experts noted "treasonous" is an "absurd" characterization, as the term's constitutional definition covers only betraying one's country by aiding enemies or attempting to overthrow the government, not critical reporting. The White House launched Trump TV on Monday, raising concerns about state-run media, though First Amendment protections were cited as a safeguard.