CNN's Kaitlan Collins Pushes Back on White House Complaints Over Epstein Coverage

The anchor reminds viewers that the story remains relevant due to ongoing revelations from the Epstein files.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins pushed back on the White House's frustration over media coverage of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, reminding viewers that the story remains relevant because of the ongoing revelations from the Epstein files. Collins pointed to how Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged that Epstein friend Les Wexner had his name mistakenly redacted in the government's release of Epstein-related documents, and that Wexner and Epstein's former assistant were labeled 'co-conspirators' in a 2019 FBI document.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has remained a major political and media story due to the ongoing investigation and the desire for accountability from survivors. The White House's complaints about the coverage highlight the tensions between the administration and the media over this issue.

The details

During a White House press briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Donald Trump remained a supporter of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who acknowledged meeting with Epstein on his private island in 2012. Leavitt said there were 'a lot of wins in the news this week' that reporters were not asking about, and listed a number of Trump administration accomplishments before ending the briefing.

  • On Tuesday, Kaitlan Collins discussed the Epstein coverage on her show 'The Source'.
  • In the last 24 hours, the Justice Department unredacted more names in the Epstein documents.

The players

Kaitlan Collins

A CNN anchor who has drawn scrutiny from President Trump over her coverage of the Epstein case.

Howard Lutnick

The Commerce Secretary who acknowledged meeting with Jeffrey Epstein on his private island in 2012.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who complained about the media's continued focus on the Epstein story.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who acknowledged that Epstein friend Les Wexner's name was mistakenly redacted in the government's release of Epstein-related documents.

Les Wexner

An Epstein friend who was labeled a 'co-conspirator' in a 2019 FBI document.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, this story has stayed in the headlines because there's new information, and survivors have been saying that they still want accountability here for what has happened.”

— Kaitlan Collins, CNN Anchor (CNN)

“Now, being listed as a co-conspirator doesn't mean they're guilty of any crimes. They were never charged with anything. But what investigators uncovered about people in Epstein's orbit is what a lot of people, including the survivors, want to know.”

— Kaitlan Collins, CNN Anchor (CNN)

“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.”

— Donald Trump (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the Epstein case will decide on Tuesday whether to unseal more documents related to the investigation.

The takeaway

The ongoing revelations from the Epstein files and the desire for accountability from survivors have kept this story in the headlines, despite the White House's attempts to shift the focus away from it. The tensions between the administration and the media over this issue highlight the political sensitivity of the Epstein case.