CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins revealed the challenging dynamics of covering the White House during a candid podcast interview with Heather McMahan. The senior White House correspondent discussed her experiences dealing with Karoline Leavitt, Trump's press secretary, on the _Absolutely Not_ podcast.

Collins explained that tension between the press and press secretaries is inherent to the job, noting she's worked with four Trump press secretaries across two administrations. She emphasized that reporters must ask uncomfortable questions and maintain a somewhat antagonistic relationship with administration spokespeople, particularly when dealing with taxpayer-funded officials.

The veteran journalist described the difficult position of press secretaries who must defend positions while their boss, Donald Trump, often serves as his own best spokesperson. Collins stressed that she approaches briefings with genuine questions in good faith, though this sometimes leads to clashes when officials dislike her inquiries. Despite the challenges, she praised Leavitt for standing up to foreign officials on behalf of American journalists.

Collins's comments highlight the evolving relationship between the press corps and the Trump administration, particularly as journalists navigate an environment where truth and falsehoods often blur. Her perspective offers insight into how major news organizations maintain journalistic integrity while covering an administration known for its combative relationship with the media.