President Donald Trump paused during his rally near Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday night to needle CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in front of a packed crowd at Vandalia-Butler High School.
Trump was in Ohio to rally support for Republican Rep. Mike Turner, Republican Sen. Jon Husted and Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom are facing tight midterm races.
As he repeated his message that America is “the hottest country” in the world and that he has brought about “the golden age of America,” Trump turned his attention to CNN to fire up the crowd.
“Our nation is doing better now than ever before, and the fake news like CNN sitting right there, the fake news doesn’t want to write about it,” Trump said, pointing toward the press area at the back of the venue.
The crowd responded with loud boos and thumbs-down gestures before breaking into chants of “f*ck CNN,” which appeared to delight the president.
Trump laughed and gave the crowd a thumbs-up, then appeared to wave at Collins before shaking his head. He let the chants continue for nearly 30 seconds before pointing and remarking, “She’s such an unhappy person, you know?”
“A young, nice person, but she never never smiles. She’s a very unhappy person,” Trump said again, as someone in the audience shouted Collins’ name and others booed.
The president then pivoted back to his message.
“But the fake news media they are. Refuse to talk about our record-setting numbers. So tonight, if you don’t mind, I’m going to do it myself, because if I don’t do it, nobody else is,” Trump said.
It was not the first time Trump has jabbed at Collins in this way.
The first instance came during an Oval Office exchange in February, when Collins asked Trump a question about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump called Collins “the worst reporter” during that exchange.
“You know, she’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for 10 years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face,” Trump said at the time.
Collins responded, “Well, I’m asking you about survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, Mr. President.”
Trump then claimed the reason she didn’t smile was that she knew she was “not telling the truth.”
“And you’re a, you’re a very dishonest organization. And they should be ashamed of you,” Trump said.
The president’s clashes with CNN extend beyond his remarks about Collins.
Trump recently banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House before a judge issued a temporary block. He also continues to bar CNN from flying with him aboard Air Force One.
Saturday’s rally offered Trump a chance to boost three Ohio Republicans in competitive races, while also taking the opportunity to once again go after a network he has frequently labeled “fake news.”
Trump told the crowd he would make the case for his administration’s record himself, arguing the media refuses to do it.
[READ MORE: Trump Campaigning In Red State As Polls Turn Against GOP]
