Meghan McCain Urges White House to Pull Credential of CNN’s Kaitlan Collins

Meghan McCain blasted CNN host Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday after a tense White House exchange involving Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

McCain didn’t hold back, calling Collins an “imbecile” and demanding that the White House revoke her press credentials.

“Kaitlan Collins is an absolute imbecile and a pure partisan hack,” McCain posted to X. “Have some respect for the two women standing in front of you who are exposing lies, deep corruption and keeping the country safe.”

Gabbard Pushes Back on CNN’s Accusation

During a White House briefing, Collins questioned Gabbard’s motives in declassifying intelligence that implicated former President Barack Obama and his cabinet in an effort to falsely tie Donald Trump to Russian collusion in 2016.

“What would you say to people who believe that you’re only releasing these documents now to improve your standing with the president?” Collins asked.

Gabbard pushed back firmly:

“The evidence and the intelligence that has been declassified and released is irrefutable.”

Karoline Leavitt Defends Gabbard, Slams Media

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt then stepped in to call out the media for fueling conspiracy narratives:

“The only people suggesting the DNI is releasing intel to boost her standing are the people in this room who constantly try to sow distrust and chaos among the president’s cabinet.”

She added that President Trump has full confidence in Gabbard and her leadership.

“The White House thanked Meghan for her help in bringing moderates around to Gabbard,” one source told the outlet in February.

I am so here for this throwdown between @DNIGabbard and @PressSec @KarolineLeavitt vs. CNN’s @KaitlanCollins pic.twitter.com/fH2YILPwQ0

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) July 23, 2025