CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins is facing backlash after sharing a link to a website created by the defense team of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Collins initially posted about the website, which reportedly included a link to a fundraising page, but later denied promoting a fundraiser, claiming she only shared the newsworthy fact of the website’s existence.
“Luigi Mangione’s legal defense team has launched a new website today,” she wrote in the now-deleted post, followed by a link to the fundraising page.
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Despite deleting the post, Collins has been criticized for using her platform to seemingly support Mangione, who has become a controversial figure.
Critics argue her actions were inappropriate given her position as CNN’s White House Correspondent and the nature of the crime involved.
Other criticism from primarily right-wing social media users points to potential conflicts of interest, as one of Collins’ colleagues is reportedly on the defense team.
Responding to news headlines criticizing her initial post, Collins declared “This is not true.”
“I posted that his attorneys created a website, which is newsworthy and other outlets have also reported on,” she retorted. “In no way did I share a fundraising link for him.”
This is not true. I posted that his attorneys created a website, which is newsworthy and other outlets have also reported on. In no way did I share a fundraising link for him.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) February 16, 2025
Mangione, 26, is currently facing charges of first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, stalking, and other state and federal charges in New York and Pennsylvania after allegedly shooting Thompson in the back late last year.
The suspected gunman, who comes from a wealthy Maryland family, has already raised over $300,000 for his legal defense from supporters, many of whom see his actions as a form of protest against the healthcare system.
“I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe,” Mangione said in a statement released by his defense team on Friday. “While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”
CNN has defended Collins, stating her post was intended as a report on the legal proceedings.
“This was nothing more than a social post reporting news surrounding the trial,” a statement from the network read.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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