Conservative outrage is bubbling over after Todd Blanche, President Trump’s pick for Deputy Attorney General, was photographed having a lunch meeting with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. The sighting has sparked speculation and frustration among Trump loyalists, who view Collins as a staunch critic of Trump and his agenda.
Collins, known for her sharp critiques and aggressive coverage of Trump, looked relaxed and engaged during the meeting, while Blanche, dressed casually in a button-up shirt and slacks, appeared equally at ease. Photos of the encounter have fueled concerns that Blanche may be too cozy with the mainstream media—especially CNN, a network widely despised by Trump supporters.
Critics wasted no time voicing their suspicions. An anonymous insider told OK! Magazine that the meeting could enrage Trump, saying, “It’s quite obvious from these pictures that Kaitlin and Todd aren’t talking about the plans for Christmas. Todd is an informant on Trump World for Kaitlin.” The insider added that any future scoops Collins gets about Trump’s transition team would now lead many to suspect Blanche as the source.
CNN host Kaitlan Collins dines with Trump Deputy Attorney General selection Todd Blanche
Wonder why? https://t.co/jj0ZfUBGCQ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 4, 2024
This lunch isn’t the first time Blanche and Collins have crossed paths. Collins previously reported on Blanche’s potential nomination as Deputy Attorney General, citing “two sources familiar with Trump’s thinking.” That reporting, combined with Blanche’s history as a registered Democrat before recently switching parties, has only deepened conservative suspicions about his loyalty.
Adding fuel to the fire, Collins has a track record of breaking stories about infighting within Trump’s team. Just last month, she detailed behind-the-scenes drama over Trump’s Treasury secretary pick, again citing unnamed sources. To some, this raises questions about whether Blanche—or someone else close to Trump—has been leaking information to the media.
Blanche’s defenders argue that as a high-profile attorney who skillfully represented Trump in the Manhattan DA’s case, he’s proven his commitment to the president-elect’s agenda. However, for many in Trump’s base, the optics of this meeting are hard to overlook. After years of betrayal and leaks, trust within Trump’s orbit remains fragile.
The meeting highlights the tension between Trump’s loyal supporters and the political realities of assembling a government. Whether this lunch was a harmless conversation or something more significant, one thing is certain: the scrutiny surrounding Trump’s inner circle isn’t going away anytime soon.
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