Kaitlan Collins, a CNN anchor, has drawn attention for both her past posts and recent reporting. Some tweets sparked backlash, like her old college messages with offensive language and a now-deleted post linking to a murder suspect’s legal site. Others covered major news, from Trump’s sentencing and Biden’s pardons to Super Bowl reactions and diplomatic briefings.
This list highlights 32 tweets that show how Collins covers breaking stories and how the public responds, often with strong opinions on both the news and the reporter.
Kaitlan Collins Faces Scrutiny Over Past Tweets and Recent Post About Murder Suspect Website
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins has recently come under fire for two separate controversies—one involving resurfaced homophobic tweets from her college years and the other concerning a now-deleted social media post linking to the legal defense site of a high-profile murder suspect.
In the first incident, Collins faced backlash after old tweets from 2011, written while she was a student at the University of Alabama, went viral. The tweets included offensive language targeting the LGBTQ+ community, including one that referred to the “Prologue to Canterbury Tales” using a slur and another expressing reluctance to share a room with a lesbian. After the tweets were circulated by conservative group Log Cabin Republicans, Collins issued a public apology, stating: “When I was in college, I used ignorant language in a few tweets to my friends. It was immature but it doesn’t represent the way I feel at all. I regret it and I apologize.”
Years later, Collins again found herself at the center of controversy after posting a link on X (formerly Twitter) to a website launched by the legal defense team of Luigi Mangione. Mangione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 and faces charges including murder as an act of terrorism, forgery, and illegal weapons possession. The site Collins linked to also included a fundraising section, which led to criticism from conservative commentators who accused her of promoting the effort.
Collins quickly deleted the post and defended her actions, saying the site itself was newsworthy and had been covered by other outlets. “This is not true. I posted that his attorneys created a website, which is newsworthy and other outlets have also reported on. In no way did I share a fundraising link for him,” she clarified in a response to a New York Post tweet. Despite her explanation, the incident fueled online backlash, especially as the defense fund had already raised over $400,000.
Both controversies have put Collins in the spotlight, raising questions about accountability for past actions and the responsibilities of journalists when covering sensitive or high-profile cases.
1. College Tweet Apology
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1049081877640953857
“When I was in college, I used ignorant language in a few tweets to my friends. It was immature but it doesn’t represent the way I feel at all. I regret it and apologize.”
In 2018, Collins issued this public apology after offensive tweets she made as a student at the University of Alabama resurfaced. Prompted by the conservative LGBTQ group Log Cabin Republicans, the old messages circulated widely during a time of heightened scrutiny over public figures’ online behavior, particularly in the wake of the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.
2. Canterbury Tales Slur Tweet
“@khilley_xo Prologue to Canterbury Tales, you f*.”*”
This tweet, featuring a homophobic slur, was one of the messages that reignited criticism against Collins. It was called out for its casual use of discriminatory language and became a focal point in discussions about accountability for past social media content.
3. Lesbian Roommate Tweet
“@meganmejias Idk if I wanna room with a lesbian.”
Another tweet from Collins’ college years, this post drew backlash for implying discomfort with sharing living space with a lesbian. It contributed to the public outcry and intensified calls for a response from Collins and CNN at the time.
4. Mangione Website Tweet
“Luigi Mangione’s legal defense team has launched a new website today. luigimangioneinfo.com”
This post attracted controversy after Collins shared a link to a website created by the legal team of Luigi Mangione, who was charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The site also included a fundraiser, leading to accusations that Collins was promoting it. She deleted the post and clarified that her intention was purely to report on a newsworthy event, not to support Mangione’s legal defense.
5. Reporting on Public Support for Murder Suspect
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1866682241339855218
📅 December 11, 2024
“Luigi Mangione’s attorney tells me his office has gotten offers from members of the public to pay for his legal bills.”
This tweet highlighted unexpected public support for Luigi Mangione, who was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. It sparked debate about the public’s willingness to back a high-profile murder suspect financially, especially in a case with potential federal death penalty implications.
6. Trump Lashes Out Over Tariff Ruling
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1928247000882921750
📅 May 30, 2025
“Trump just now weighs in on the ruling from last night that invalidated his tariffs (before it was put on hold), blasting the three judges on the panel, which included one of his appointees.
‘Where do these initial three Judges come from? How is it possible for them to have potentially done such damage to the United States of America? Is it purely a hatred of “TRUMP?” What other reason could it be?'”
After a ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade challenged his authority to impose tariffs, Trump reacted publicly and criticized judges, including one he appointed. The tweet captured a heated moment in an ongoing legal and economic dispute, and drew attention for its strong language and political tone.
7. Trump vs. “TACO Trade”
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1927914657836073335
📅 May 29, 2025
“Robert Armstrong, the Financial Times commentator who coined the “TACO trade” term that angered President Trump today, calls his response ‘very telling.'”
This post refers to Trump’s angry response during a press briefing to being questioned about the “TACO trade”—a term describing investors’ strategies around his tariffs. The tweet went viral as it highlighted Trump’s sensitivity to criticism and the evolving relationship between political actions and market reactions.
8. New Pope Elected
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1920511319272276200
📅 May 8, 2025
“White smoke has risen above the Sistine Chapel.”
Collins marked a historic moment with this brief but impactful update signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost was named Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in Catholic history. Her tweet received significant engagement due to the rarity and symbolism of the event.
9. White House Correspondents’ Dinner Post
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1916516864282276235
📅 April 27, 2025
“All dressed up with @ScottJenningsKY”
This tweet, featuring a photo with CNN contributor Scott Jennings at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, drew mixed reactions. Some praised the bipartisan appearance, while others criticized it due to Jennings’ conservative ties and past clashes with Collins during CNN panels. The tweet gained traction amid discussions on media decorum and political alliances.
10. Reacting to a Viral Sports and Politics Moment
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1911561349676908796
📅 April 14, 2025
“Always. That was truly incredible to watch.”
This post appeared to praise Rory McIlroy’s historic Masters win, making him just the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam. However, replies to the tweet reflected a split audience. Some focused on the sports achievement, while others referenced Collins’ recent Oval Office reporting involving a contentious immigration issue with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. The dual interpretations highlighted the blurred lines between Collins’ political coverage and public persona, as well as ongoing tensions around her perceived biases and CNN’s editorial stance.
11. Trump on Signal Chat Investigation
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1904617548026462600
📅 March 25, 2025
“Asked if he will conduct an investigation into the Signal chat containing attack plans, President Trump says, ‘We’ll look into it, sure. I would look into it, sure.’ Asked if the FBI will lead that, Trump says, ‘It’s not really an FBI thing. It’s really something having to do with security…'”
This post came during a White House press briefing addressing a national security breach involving the Signal app. Trump’s vague responses raised questions about how seriously the administration was taking the unauthorized use of encrypted messaging to discuss military operations in Yemen.
12. Disputing What Was Shared in Signal Chat
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1904549885048697133
📅 March 25, 2025
“This is what the top intel officials are arguing wasn’t classified.”
Referring to claims by Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, this tweet disputed the Trump administration’s defense that no classified content was shared in a Signal chat. The pushback intensified criticism over national security protocol violations, particularly the unauthorized sharing of operational details with unintended recipients.
13. Intel Director vs. Senator Warner on Disclosure
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1904546964538097824
📅 March 25, 2025
“Director Gabbard says there was no classified material on the group chat. Sen. Warner asks why it can’t be shared with the committee then.”
Posted during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, this tweet underscored a key moment when Senator Mark Warner questioned why content deemed unclassified still wasn’t being disclosed. It reflected growing skepticism over the administration’s transparency and the severity of the information mishandling.
14. FBI Lacks Update on Signal Incident
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1904547438922190954
📅 March 25, 2025
“FBI Director Patel says he was only recently briefed on the group chat matter and doesn’t have an update on whether the FBI has launched an investigation into it. Warner asks for an update by the end of the day.”
This tweet highlights FBI Director Kash Patel’s lack of awareness regarding the security breach. The admission during Senate testimony stirred concern about oversight failures and prompted Senator Warner to request swift accountability, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
15. Meeting DJ Daniel, Cancer Survivor Honored by Trump
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1897481833547219416
📅 March 6, 2025
“Today I had the chance to meet DJ Daniel, the 13-year-old cancer survivor who President Trump made an honorary member of the Secret Service last night.”
Collins shared a touching moment of bipartisan humanity following Trump’s recognition of DJ Daniel during a congressional address. While widely praised for highlighting DJ’s bravery, the event also drew controversy, as political divisions played out even during moments of goodwill, revealing the sensitivity of public responses in today’s climate.
16. Trump’s “Somewhat Friendly” Call With Trudeau
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1897349322183991532
📅 March 5, 2025
“Trump says he had a ‘somewhat friendly’ call with Prime Minister Trudeau on the tariffs.”
Collins highlighted a statement from Donald Trump describing his conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about tariffs and fentanyl concerns. Trump’s remarks suggested skepticism about Canada’s efforts to curb drug smuggling and implied that Trudeau was using the issue for political leverage.
17. Reaction to Ousting of Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1893112033727357220
📅 February 22, 2025
“A retired four-star general expressed serious dismay over this move to me tonight, calling it ‘sadly political and tragic for our nation.'”
Collins shared backlash to Trump’s decision to replace General CQ Brown with Lieutenant General Dan Caine as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Critics accused the administration of politicizing military leadership. Brown, only the second Black chairman, had previously backed diversity initiatives. Caine’s unconventional appointment, without four-star status, fueled controversy about qualifications and precedent.
18. Reporting the CQ Brown Dismissal
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1893097549306679352
📅 February 22, 2025
“President Trump has ousted Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown and says he is replacing him with Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine.”
This tweet was part of the same developing story on military leadership shake-ups. Collins reported the change directly, sparking instant debate over military loyalty, diversity policies, and Dan Caine’s unusual rise to the top military post.
19. No Preconditions for Trump-Putin Meeting
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1889763637474009271
📅 February 12, 2025
“Asked if there are any preconditions to Trump’s meeting with Putin, Karoline Leavitt says, “Not that I’m aware of. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist. But I was just talking with the president and our national security team, I wasn’t made aware of any conditions.””
Collins covered a tense moment at the White House when Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was unable to confirm if preconditions existed for Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin. The vague response fed speculation about U.S. diplomatic strategy, especially amid ongoing tensions around Ukraine and NATO commitments.
20. Super Bowl Praise for the Eagles
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1888757218687791486
📅 February 10, 2025
“The Eagles are making it look easy.”
Reacting to Super Bowl LIX, Collins praised the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 40–22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Jalen Hurts earned MVP honors with record-breaking rushing stats. As a known Eagles fan, Collins’ post resonated with sports followers and reminded her audience of her Alabama roots and NFL enthusiasm.
21. The Aftermath of a Mid-Air Disaster
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1884842556875305028
📅 January 30, 2025
“This image is hard to even fathom. From @andyharnik.”
This haunting photo shows emergency crews at the scene of a mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport. The crash killed all 64 people aboard, marking the worst U.S. domestic aviation disaster in 25 years. It triggered criticism of recent FAA staff cuts and broader concerns over flight safety.
22. Musk Dismisses Trump’s AI Boast
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1882057727423472031
📅 January 22, 2025
“Some notable commentary on the big AI investment announcement Trump touted at the White House yesterday. Musk doubts the numbers behind it.”
Kaitlan Collins highlights Elon Musk’s comment doubting a $500B AI project Trump announced, which involved OpenAI and other tech giants. Musk’s “They don’t actually have the money” response aligns with reports about AI funding shortfalls, raising skepticism about the project’s feasibility.
23. Trump’s Move to End Birthright Citizenship
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1881504091274399823
📅 January 21, 2025
“Trump signs an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, which will almost certainly face legal challenges.”
Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship sparked immediate backlash. Legal experts argued the order contradicted the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Lawsuits and constitutional debates followed.
24. Biden Pardons His Family in Final Minutes
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1881382070108504570
📅 January 20, 2025
“With literal minutes left in his presidency, Biden just pardoned his brothers, James and Frank, along with his sister Valerie, along with their spouses. An unprecedented and extraordinary move.”
In a controversial act, President Biden issued pardons for his siblings and their spouses just before leaving office. Critics compared it to actions he once condemned Trump for, while others saw it as a defense against politically motivated prosecutions.
25. Preemptive Pardons Stir Legal Debate
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1881314087482593331
📅 January 20, 2025
“President Biden has issued preemptive pardons for Gen. Mark Milley, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the members of the Jan. 6 committee and the cops who testified before the committee. “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgment that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.”
Biden’s pardons for officials involved in COVID and Jan. 6 investigations raised constitutional questions. Though the administration denied wrongdoing, the act fueled debate over whether preemptive pardons imply guilt or are justified political shields.
26. Trump’s Final Pre-Inauguration Rally
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1881104658468651258
📅 January 20, 2025
“The scene at the Capitol One arena as President-elect Trump holds his final rally before being sworn in tomorrow.”
A photo from Trump’s rally at Capitol One Arena shows supporters gathered under a “45 ➝ 47” banner, marking his rare non-consecutive return to office. He used the rally to preview his incoming executive actions, emphasizing immigration and energy.
27. Trump’s Inauguration Day Plans
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1881095864011129028
📅 January 19, 2025
“The current plan is for Trump to sign executive orders on Capitol Hill after he’s sworn in — and then sign more once he arrives at the Capitol One arena where his supporters will be watching the inauguration now that it’s been moved indoors, per Jason Miller, who notes plans are shifting.”
Collins reports on Trump’s plan to sign executive orders in two locations after his inauguration. The dual settings highlighted both practical shifts due to weather and symbolic staging for his base, drawing a split reaction online.
28. Trump Speaks Ahead of Sentencing
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1877730890865848348
📅 January 10, 2025
“Trump is now speaking ahead of his sentencing in New York. ‘This has been a very terrible experience and a setback for the New York court system,’ he says, appearing virtually from Mar-a-Lago.”
Before sentencing in the hush money trial, Trump criticized the New York court system. Despite being convicted on 34 felony counts, he received no jail time, prompting public scrutiny over legal accountability for powerful figures.
29. Judge Merchan’s Message on Accountability
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1877734200096280950
📅 January 10, 2025
“Judge Merchan: ‘Ordinary citizens do not receive those legal protections… It is the citizenry of this nation that recently decided that you should once again receive the benefits of those protections.’”
Judge Merchan addressed Trump directly, stating that only the presidency offers such legal shields—highlighting the tension between democratic power and executive privilege following Trump’s conviction and re-election.
30. Verdict Cannot Be Erased by Office
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/1877735848013087186
📅 January 10, 2025
“Regarding the protections of the presidency, Judge Merchan says, ‘They do not reduce the seriousness of the crime or justify its commission in any way. One power they do not provide is the power to erase a jury verdict.’”
Merchan reaffirmed that presidential status doesn’t nullify Trump’s conviction. Despite the immunity ruling, the court emphasized that jury verdicts remain valid, fueling debate about fairness, executive limits, and public trust in the justice system.
31. Trump vs. Biden Feud on Twitter
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/976810299511726081
📅 March 22, 2018
“Ah. Two of the most powerful men in America — one being the president and the other being the former vice president/a potential 2020 candidate — are threatening to beat each other up. On Twitter. They are in their 70s.”
Kaitlan Collins comments on a 2018 Twitter exchange between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, both in their 70s, where they traded threats of physical violence. The incident followed Biden’s remarks suggesting he’d “beat the hell out of” Trump for past comments about women. Trump responded by calling Biden “weak” and warning he’d “go down fast and hard.”
32. Early Re-Election Rally Remark
Source: https://x.com/kaitlancollins/status/968507785729200136
📅 February 27, 2018
“You mean to tell me that the president who filed the paperwork on the day of his inauguration to be an official candidate for re-election and has held a re-election rally is running for re-election?!”
In this 2018 tweet, Collins sarcastically comments on Donald Trump’s early move to file re-election paperwork and hold rallies shortly after taking office. Her remark points out the unusual nature of Trump launching a re-election campaign on inauguration day, which some critics saw as prioritizing politics over governance.
Conclusion
Kaitlan Collins’ tweets continue to attract public attention for different reasons. Some relate to past controversies, while others focus on her coverage of major events. The response to her posts shows the pressure journalists face when covering sensitive issues and working in the public eye. Her activity on social media is regularly watched, discussed, and criticized.
