Trump, to CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins: “I am surprised that CNN is here and reporting on me”

Donald Trump criticized CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins before his speech at the UN General Assembly debate in New York, after being surprised by the American network’s presence at the event. The US president accused CNN of having announced that it would not cover him, amid the media boycott of his administration.

“I’m surprised CNN is here and covering me,” Trump told the journalist, adding that the United States is “doing very, very well” and that his administration is making progress. Collins asked him a question about the war in Iran, but the president did not respond.

Later, when asked by another reporter what message he had for Vladimir Putin, Trump replied: “End the war.”

The conflict comes after Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from reporting from the White House on Friday and restricted their correspondents’ access to government agencies, accusing the publications of broadcasting “fake news.” On Monday, the three media companies sued the US government, arguing that the measure violates their rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.