CNN’s Kaitlan Collins was honored at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an event attended by President Donald Trump for the first time during his term. A viral social media post suggested that President Trump did not applaud when Collins accepted her award.
The post, circulating after the rescheduled dinner where Collins was recognized for her presidential coverage, claimed that Trump deliberately withheld applause. It also noted that Collins approached Trump’s table to shake his hand after receiving her award, portraying her actions as a display of class.
The video accompanying the social media claim shows Wolf Blitzer presenting Collins with the White House Correspondents’ Association Award for Excellence in Presidential News Coverage Under Deadline Pressure. Following the presentation, Collins walks to Trump’s table, smiles, and extends her hand, which he reciprocates.
While it is true that President Trump did not clap as Collins accepted her award, the claim that this was a deliberate snub is misleading. The video shows Collins approaching Trump, and he responds by shaking her hand with a subtle smile.
Later in his own remarks, President Trump addressed Collins directly, though he did so by mocking her award as “fake” and suggesting she should “smile more.” This continued a pattern of public criticism he has frequently directed at the CNN correspondent throughout his political career. Trump and Collins have a documented history of public friction, with Trump often singling out Collins’ reporting and demeanor at rallies and press events. Collins, in turn, has consistently challenged the president during briefings and interviews while maintaining a professional approach.
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