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Press Secretary Leavitt Defends Collins Amid Saudi Tensions

2/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kaitlan Collins of CNN praised White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for defending her at a press event in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Royal Guard resisted Collins after she questioned U.S. President Donald Trump, who did not respond.
Saudi authorities tried to bar Collins from the next event, but Leavitt insisted she attend.
Collins said such challenges are common on foreign trips and recalled a similar experience with Kim Jong Un.

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Story summary

Kaitlan Collins of CNN praised White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for defending her at a press event in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Royal Guard resisted Collins after she questioned U.S. President Donald Trump, who did not respond.
Saudi authorities tried to bar Collins from the next event, but Leavitt insisted she attend.
Collins said such challenges are common on foreign trips and recalled a similar experience with Kim Jong Un.