White House bans CNN reporter from press event

   WASHINGTON, July 26 -- The White House on Wednesday banned a CNN reporter from a press conference after the reporter acted "inappropriately", drawing controversy.
   The CNN reporter, Kaitlan Collins, reportedly called out questions regarding Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen during a brief media release before Trump's meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at the oval office.
   In a video showing the encounter, a woman's voice, presumably belonging to Collins, was heard repeatedly calling out to Trump.
   Her questions included: "Did Michael Cohen betray you, Mr. President?" "Mr. President, are you worried about what Michael Cohen is about to say to the prosecutors? Are you worried about what is on the other tapes, Mr. President?"
   "Why is Vladimir Putin not accepting your invitation, Mr. President?" The voice also asked.
   Trump, stony-faced, did not answer the questions.
   According to Collins, she was later summoned to the office of Bill Shine, the White House's deputy chief of staff for communications, where White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was also present.
   Collins said she was told by the two officials that her previous questions were "inappropriate" for the venue and she was disinvited to a later joint press conference between Trump and Juncker at the Rose Garden.
   In her own defense, Collins said it was normal for journalists to shout out questions at the setting.
   The ban has prompted backlash from the White House Correspondents Association, which issued a statement condemning the White House's "misguided and inappropriate decision."
   "This type of retaliation is wholly inappropriate, wrong-headed, and weak. It cannot stand," the statement said.
   The White House has had an often rocky relationship with CNN, which was critical of many of Trump's policies. Trump has publicly called the network "fake news," and has created derogatory nicknames for its White House correspondents and hosts.  (Xinhua)