CNN CEO Chris Licht has reportedly offered the network’s former chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins their primetime – 9 PM – slot. The report comes as she hosts Donald Trump in their townhall.

Collins was fired employee Don Lemon’s co-host and, as per Puck News, is the favorite of CNN CEO Chris Licht. The report on Wednesday adds that she was offered the network’s primetime slot and a new contract. She is expected to start as soon as next week.

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The report came hours before Collins moderated CNN’s Townhall in New Hampshire with former President Donald Trump on the hot seat. The Republican is seeking the primary nomination for the 2024 presidential election. He was asked about a variety of issues including his role in the January 6 Capitol attack, election fraud, inflation and the cases against him.

“I just want to say that Kaitlin Collins is doing an incredible job at FACT CHECKING Trump during the CNN Town Hall. She is calling him out at every single chance that she gets when he says something that is not accurate,” a Twitter user praised Collins.

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“He’s got total control of this interview and Kaitlin Collins is getting utterly incinerated,” another one said.

“CNN. This was a debacle. You have let him lie. You have invited a pro Trump audience to ask softball questions. You have let him brag. He is steamrolling Kaitlin Collins. We are done,” a third one added.

As per the Puck News report, Collins’ offer as CNN primetime lead is not ‘contingent on her performance at tonight’s town hall’.

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“But, given the Trump X-factor, those 90 minutes have the potential to modify, accelerate, or stifle the arc of her career,” Puck News’ Dylan Byers told Mediatite.

“At the very least, her performance tonight will set the tone for a new Collins era at CNN, which, barring any fuck-ups, will run at least through the 2024 presidential election.”