The clash occurred after correspondent Kaitlan Collins asked Trump if he had read the references in the documents about his Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, and businessman Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX. Trump quickly dismissed the question, stating that he had not reviewed the files because he has "many things to do" and adding that both "will be fine."
The most controversial moment came when the journalist insisted: "What would you say to Epstein's victims?" Far from responding about the survivors, Trump lashed out at Collins, calling her "very bad" and "the worst reporter," harshly criticizing CNN and avoiding directly addressing the victims. "You are a young woman, and I have never seen you smile," the president attacked in a sexist manner, also labeling CNN as dishonest.
The president emphasized that the country should "move on" and defended that the files only mention him in relation to an alleged conspiracy between Epstein and writer Michael Wolff to harm him electorally. Trump's reaction has sparked criticism for his impertinent tone and for not offering a clear message directed at the victims of the Epstein case, one of the most sensitive and controversial issues in recent American politics.