In a recent incident, President Trump targeted a female reporter from the New York Times, Katie Rogers, who co-authored an article discussing his age and physical stamina as he embarks on his second term. The president referred to Rogers as "third rate" and "ugly, both inside and out." This attack is part of a disturbing trend where Trump has directed insults towards female reporters covering his administration.
Earlier this month, while aboard Air Force One, Trump confronted Bloomberg's White House correspondent Catherine Lucey, telling her to "Quiet. Quiet, piggy." This exchange occurred as Lucey inquired about the release of files related to the Justice Department's investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
When pressed about Trump's comments, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president, asserting that he is "very frank and honest" with reporters. She contrasted Trump's approach with that of former President Joe Biden, claiming that Trump’s willingness to engage with the press is more respectful compared to a past administration that often evaded direct questions.
Last week, during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office, Trump publicly berated Mary Bruce, ABC News' chief White House correspondent. Bruce had asked about the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an inquiry that stemmed from an intelligence report indicating that bin Salman was responsible for the attack. Trump accused Bruce of embarrassing the crown prince and labeled her a "terrible person" and "terrible reporter," criticizing her question as "horrible" and "insubordinate."
The latest insults from Trump arose after the publication of a New York Times article that scrutinized his public appearances and domestic travel, raising questions about his health. At 79, Trump is the oldest individual elected to the presidency, and concerns have been amplified by visible signs of health issues, including bruising on his right hand and swollen ankles. Furthermore, he disclosed undergoing an MRI during a recent physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Trump's attacks on Rogers, who collaborated with machine-learning engineer and journalist Dylan Freedman, were aimed at discrediting the New York Times, which he referred to as a "cheap rag" and an "enemy of the people." In a post on Truth Social, he specifically targeted Rogers, labeling her as a "third rate reporter" who "writes only bad things about me."
The New York Times defended both the article and Rogers, emphasizing the accuracy of their reporting, which is based on firsthand information. A spokesperson stated that personal insults do not affect the integrity of their journalism, and they remain committed to covering the Trump administration despite intimidation tactics.
The Society of Professional Journalists condemned Trump's recent attacks on Bruce and Lucey, highlighting a troubling pattern of hostility directed particularly at women in the media. Executive director Caroline Hendrie emphasized that journalists are not merely props for photo ops; rather, they serve as essential watchdogs for the public. Hendrie stated, "When reporters ask hard questions about the murder of a fellow journalist, that is not an embarrassment. What's embarrassing is a leader trying to silence those questions."
In conclusion, Trump's ongoing derogatory remarks towards female reporters not only undermine the integrity of the press but also raise significant concerns about the treatment of journalists in today's political climate. This pattern of behavior is increasingly scrutinized as it threatens the essential role of a free and independent press in promoting transparency and accountability in government.