President Donald Trump told CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins “You should not be here” during his UN General Assembly address on September 22, 2026, escalating a credential dispute that barred CNN reporters from a White House event earlier that week. The remark was captured on video.
Trump made the comment as Collins stood in the UN press room during his speech. He paused and addressed her directly. He said “You should not be here”.
What Happened at the UN
Collins was present for the annual UN General Assembly coverage. Trump referenced the recent credential ban. He said “You shouldn’t be covering me”.
CNN reported the White House revoked press credentials for its journalists ahead of the UN trip. The network said the move was retaliatory.
Timeline of the Kaitlan Collins Trump Credential Fight
Early September 2026: White House restricts CNN access to an event.
September 22, 2026: Trump speaks at UN General Assembly in New York.
During the speech, Trump taunts CNN at the UN in the credential fight. He points to Collins in the room.
White House defends the credential decision. CNN issues a rebuttal.
Why Trump Said ‘You Should Not Be Here’ to Kaitlan Collins
Collins has a history of confrontational interviews with Trump dating to his first term. The pattern fits Trump’s long-standing press targeting.
The UN General Assembly provided a global platform for the messaging.
Press Freedom and CNN Press Credentials Issue
The ban raises questions about UN press pool access. Media groups criticized the restriction.
First Amendment debate followed the on-stage taunt. Journalists cited press access norms.
Prior credential disputes involved other outlets. This case centers on Kaitlan Collins.
Public and Media Reaction
Video clips went viral on social media within hours.
The journalist community responded with statements of support for Collins.
Political analysts framed the exchange as media vs Trump.
What This Means for Kaitlan Collins Coverage Going Forward
CNN said it will continue UN reporting. The network has not announced legal action.
Escalation of Trump media battles remains possible. Collins remains assigned to White House coverage.
Key Takeaways
Trump directly confronted Kaitlan Collins at the UN on September 22, 2026.
The confrontation followed a CNN credential ban.
The quotes “You should not be here” and “You shouldn’t be covering me” defined the moment.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Trump say ‘You should not be here’ to Kaitlan Collins?
- A: Trump addressed Collins directly during his UN General Assembly speech to taunt CNN over a recent White House credential restriction, telling her ‘You should not be here’ and ‘You shouldn’t be covering me’.
- Q: What triggered the CNN press credential dispute with the White House?
- A: The White House revoked or restricted CNN journalists’ press credentials ahead of the UN trip in early September 2026, which CNN described as retaliatory for its coverage.
- Q: Was Kaitlan Collins banned from the UN General Assembly?
- A: No. Collins was present in the UN press room for coverage of the General Assembly. The dispute concerned White House events and credentials, not UN access.
Extended Reading
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