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4h ago

Trump Assails CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Defends Expanding White House Ballroom Plan

He portrays the donor-funded venue as on track despite reporting of rising costs plus a recent architect switch.

CNN broadcast journalist Kaitlan Collins speaks during a live shot before US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)
The US Treasury building is seen behind the construction site for the new ballroom that is replacing the East Wing of the White House on a snowy evening in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images)
President Trump has become exceedingly personal in his attacks on women in the White House press corps.
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Overview

  • Trump used a Saturday Truth Social post to call CNN’s Kaitlan Collins “stupid and nasty,” misspelling her name while attacking her coverage of the project.
  • He claimed the planned ballroom will be double the size of earlier plans, said it is under budget and ahead of schedule, and insisted it is fully paid for by private donations.
  • Multiple outlets report the estimated price has risen to roughly $300 million, up from the $200 million figure discussed when the plan was announced in July.
  • The White House confirmed architect Shalom Baranes has been added to the project team after James McCrery II’s role changed, as demolition work at the East Wing site continues.
  • Donor disclosures list major companies such as Amazon, Meta, Apple and BlackRock, drawing ongoing questions about transparency, oversight and potential conflicts tied to the privately funded build.