In a dramatic exchange on CNN, VA Secretary Doug Collins turned the tables on CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during a discussion about a Signal chat incident. This showdown unfolded when Kaitlan Collins attempted to pit the VA Secretary against the Trump Administration over an alleged leak.
The controversy began when The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, claimed he was “accidentally” added to a secure Signal chat by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The chat involved discussions about military operations against Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. Instead of leaving, Goldberg allegedly took screenshots and attempted to leak the details, branding them as “war plans.” However, Team Trump rebutted, stating no such plans were discussed.
Goldberg and his colleague Shane Harris attempted to publish details to undermine the Trump Administration but inadvertently proved Team Trump right by referring to them as “attack plans.”
During the interview, Kaitlan Collins pressed the VA Secretary about the incident. Doug Collins, however, had no involvement and emphasized his focus on veterans. Despite her persistent questioning, Doug Collins flipped the script by confronting Kaitlan Collins with a powerful question of his own.
“Kaitlan,” he stated, “since you do not want to talk about the VA, I have a question as VA secretary I want to ask you.” The Secretary demanded to know why CNN appeared hostile toward veterans, particularly referencing a $5 million defamation lawsuit involving a veteran from Florida, Zachary Young.
“Since you undoubtedly don’t want to talk about the VA … I would like to know why CNN is hostile to veterans — especially one in Florida, where you just had a $5 million defamation suit…”
— @SecVetAffairs
March 2025
For context, CNN had settled a lawsuit brought by US Navy veteran Zachary Young after a jury ruled the network defamed him in a 2021 segment about Afghanistan evacuations. Young was awarded $5 million for damages. The veteran, celebrated as a hero for his role in evacuations, was unfairly portrayed by CNN as exploiting Afghans for profit. Alex Marquardt from CNN was reported to have made derogatory comments about Young, promising his downfall.
Kaitlan Collins, faced with the VA Secretary’s pressing questions, attempted to deflect. Yet, Doug Collins persisted, highlighting the hard work of VA employees and veterans and challenging her to address his concerns about CNN’s treatment of veterans.
“No, Kaitlan,” Doug Collins asserted, “What you want to do is talk about a subject which I have already given you the answer to.”
