CNN's Kaitlan Collins Defends Press Access in Saudi Arabia

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt steps in to ensure Collins' questions are heard

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:51am

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A close-up painting of a solitary microphone or camera lens, its metallic surface reflecting the warm, golden light of the scene, conveying a sense of the challenges faced by journalists reporting in restrictive environments.The delicate balance between press freedom and diplomatic sensitivities is highlighted as a journalist's access is challenged, only to be defended by a White House official.Today in Nashville

In a recent podcast, CNN's Kaitlan Collins shared a story from a trip to Saudi Arabia, where she dared to ask a question during President Trump's visit. This simple act sparked a dramatic response from the Saudi Royal Guard, who tried to bar Collins from the next press event. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt intervened and ensured Collins' access, highlighting the delicate balance between press freedom and international diplomacy.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the challenges journalists face in covering world leaders, especially in countries with restrictive media environments. It also raises questions about the Trump administration's relationship with the press, as Collins suggests that Trump has been more media-friendly than previous presidents.

The details

While covering President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Kaitlan Collins dared to ask a question, a simple act that sparked a dramatic response from the Saudi Royal Guard. They attempted to bar her from the next press event, but Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, stepped in and ensured Collins' access.

  • During President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia in 2026

The players

Kaitlan Collins

A CNN journalist who was covering President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who intervened to ensure Kaitlan Collins' access to the press event.

President Trump

The former U.S. president whose visit to Saudi Arabia was the subject of Kaitlan Collins' reporting.

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What they’re saying

“This incident highlights the delicate balance between press freedom and international diplomacy.”

— Kaitlan Collins, CNN Journalist

“Collins suggests that Trump, despite his public criticism of the media, has actually embraced the press in ways that previous presidents haven't.”

— Kaitlan Collins, CNN Journalist

The takeaway

This story showcases the ongoing challenges journalists face in covering world leaders, especially in countries with restrictive media environments. It also raises questions about the Trump administration's relationship with the press, suggesting that despite his public criticism, Trump may have been more media-friendly than previous presidents.