Absolutely Not Smiling with Kaitlan Collins
Feb 11, 2026
Kaitlan Collins, CNN White House correspondent known for on-the-ground coverage from Air Force One and the press room. She describes life on Air Force One, the press pool system, and doing makeup on the road. She recounts the 'smile' exchange with the president, navigating tense press-secretary moments, and tracking late-night social posts from political figures.
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On Air Force One And Pool Life
- Kaitlan Collins described the White House pool and the nonstop half-sleep on Air Force One during foreign trips.
- She explained swapping planes in Switzerland after an electrical issue and rushing to cover the president's speech live.
Ask What Real People Care About
- Collins frames her reporting by asking what everyday people and families care about, not online outrage.
- She uses that perspective to keep questions relevant and accountable to the public she represents.
Staying Focused During A Confrontation
- Collins recounted asking the president about survivors and his comment about her smiling.
- She stayed focused on survivors' voices rather than engage in a tit-for-tat about her expression.
