Born on April 7, 1992, Kaitlan Collins grew up in Prattville, Alabama, in what she describes as a “really apolitical upbringing.” Reflecting on her childhood, she shared with InStyle that “The Today Show” was the most national news program her family watched.
Collins’s perspective shifted when she attended the University of Alabama. Initially, she chose chemistry as her major, aiming to follow her sister’s path. However, she faced challenges early on and eventually switched to journalism. “I’ve always been a big reader, I like to write, maybe I should try my hand at this,” she remarked about her decision to explore journalism.
After earning a degree in political science and journalism, Collins relocated to Washington, D.C., where she began her career as an entertainment reporter for The Daily Caller. Her journalistic path took a significant turn when Donald Trump was elected in 2016, as she took on the role of White House Correspondent.
Collins shared with Forbes that being invited to appear on CNN was uncommon for a Daily Caller reporter, and she felt grateful they valued her ability to ask incisive questions at briefings, without focusing on her affiliation.
In 2017, Collins joined CNN as a White House Correspondent, a position that brought her into the national limelight. By 2021, she had risen to become the Chief White House Correspondent.
In the subsequent year, CNN selected Collins to co-host CNN This Morning with Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow. Following Lemon’s departure in April 2023, Collins signed a new contract to host the 9 p.m. prime time slot.
“I’m grateful and excited to join CNN’s primetime lineup for a new show that will feature sharp interviews, fresh reporting, and thoughtful conversations on the top stories that are driving the news cycle,” Collins expressed at the time. She also voiced her appreciation for her friend and co-anchor Poppy, promising to continue supporting the CNN This Morning team.
By July 2023, Collins had officially begun her role as host of The Source with Kaitlan Collins.
