In an unexpected press briefing at the White House, President Donald Trump didn’t hold back while addressing Kaitlan Collins of CNN, labeling her a ‘loser’ following her inquiries about his backing for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amidst new impeachment claims.
The heated exchange occurred after Collins questioned Trump about allegations made by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie regarding the Pentagon chief, who faces eight articles of impeachment introduced by the congressman from Kentucky.
Trump expressed clear disdain for both Collins and Massie.
“Massie’s a loser, just like you’re a loser at CNN, just like your ratings are a loser. Massie is a loser, stone-cold loser,” Trump stated sharply.
This confrontation unfolded during an unscheduled appearance where Trump engaged with reporters on various topics, including the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the ramifications of the recent midterm elections.
However, the atmosphere shifted significantly when questions arose about Massie’s impeachment initiative against Hegseth.
Trump to Kaitlan Collins:
“Massie’s a loser just like you’re a loser at CNN. Your ratings are a loser. Massie is a stone cold loser.”
No filter
https://t.co/enExdv03W1
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) November 9, 2026
Earlier that day, Massie formally introduced the eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth, outlining the accusations he presented on the House floor shortly after 2 p.m.
The claims include allegations of Hegseth exceeding constitutional limits during military operations involving Iran and illegal activities regarding drug traffickers in international waters.
POLL: Do You Stand With Pete Hegseth Against The Dems Trying To Impeach Him?
The accusations assert that military actions occurred without appropriate congressional approval and that some actions breached both federal and international law.
Hegseth, along with the Trump administration, has denied the validity of these impeachment efforts.
When questioned if he watched Massie’s remarks, Trump ridiculed the congressman, questioning his use of Congress’s time.
“Massie’s a loser. He shouldn’t be taking up the time of Congress, the Senate, or anything that he’s doing. The guy’s a stone-cold loser,” Trump remarked.
The president criticized Massie for his consistent opposition to Republican initiatives during his tenure.
“He’s a sick guy. There’s something wrong with him, particularly now targeting Pete Hegseth. But really, what has Hegseth done?” Trump asked.
RELATED: BREAKING: GOP Rep. Files Impeachment Articles Against Pete Hegseth
Collins probed whether Trump would still support Hegseth if impeachment proceeded, to which Trump quickly affirmed his loyalty.
“Yeah, I’ll stand by. He won two wars. He was in charge. We all won,” he responded without hesitation.
As Collins highlighted Massie’s allegations of misconduct, Trump directed his criticism back on the CNN reporter, a moment that rapidly gained traction on social media.
Trump also reflected on his prior efforts to unseat Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican primary this year.
Backed by political newcomer Ed Gallrein, Trump had ventured against Massie after repeated clashes over expenditure, foreign affairs, and the administration’s legislative goals.
“I took on a guy who was somewhat popular in his state, and I beat him badly, easily with a man who never ran before,” Trump noted.
Continuing his critique of Massie while defending the Pentagon’s record, Trump stated, “Massie has a lot of hatred in his heart. … I heard what Massie did. I don’t want to watch. I don’t want to waste my time watching him. We won two wars. We won two wars, and we’ve made the world a lot safer place.”
Massie’s latest impeachment bid follows a previous attempt in September that failed to reach a House vote before lawmakers left Washington for the midterm recess.
With Congress reconvened, the Kentucky Republican aims to force another significant debate over Hegseth’s leadership.
This impeachment movement also emerges as Republicans assess their recent election outcomes, which resulted in Democrats gaining control of both chambers starting in January.
While some Republicans have raised concerns regarding the administration’s approach to Iran, that discontent does not necessarily equate to support for impeaching Hegseth.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to advocate for his defense secretary, asserting that military actions under the administration have reinforced national security.
Massie’s resolution might see a House vote later this week, depending on how Republican leadership navigates the proposal.
Even if the House were to pass impeachment, a two-thirds majority in the Senate would be essential for Hegseth’s removal.
