President Donald Trump yet again insulted a woman journalist after being asked a question he didn’t like. The string of insults, as well as speculation that the president made sexist remarks, highlight the hostility Trump has shown to women in journalism.
Trump insults ABC News journalist: ‘She’s a horror show’
Trump insulted ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott during a last week during an exchange in Washington. As Trump took questions from reporters while standing next to his motorcade, Scott asked Trump why he was focusing on various construction and repair projects around the city, as gas prices continue to rise and the war with Iran continues. Trump appeared to take issue with the question, telling Scott that he wants “to keep our country beautiful and safe” before criticizing the state of various memorials in the city.
“This place was a disgusting place,” Trump said.
As Scott attempted to ask a follow-up question, Trump cut her off.
“That’s such a stupid question you asked,” he said while appearing to point at Scott, adding, “This is one of the worst reporters; she’s with ABC fake news, and she’s a horror show.”
Unverified claims that Trump made sexist insults against Scott
In addition to the insults clearly launched at Scott and ABC News, some online sources also claimed the president made apparent sexist remarks during the exchange, though these are less clear. Several social media accounts that posted video of the encounter quote Trump as telling Scott, “You can understand dirt better than I can, baby, but I don’t allow it.” However, in the clip, Trump might also be saying “maybe” rather than “baby” in his response.
Later, as Trump turned away from reporters after taking questions, he pointed toward the journalists and mouthed something to the men standing next to him.
Journalist Aaron Rupar posted the latter clip with the description, “wow — Trump appears to call Rachel Scott a ‘b***h’ as he finishes taking questions from reporters.” However, it’s not definitive from the video or audio whether Trump said such.
Trump’s growing history of insulting women journalists
While it’s unclear whether Trump used blatantly sexist language during his exchange with Scott, he unambiguously launched personal attacks at her after expressing displeasure with her question. It’s the latest in a long series of incidents in which Trump has personally insulted women for asking him unwanted questions or painting him in an unfavorable light. Scott has previously been the target of the president’s insults. In December, Trump called her “obnoxious” and “a terrible reporter” after she asked him a question concerning the controversial strikes against alleged drug boats that the administration had launched.
Together, these incidents suggest a pattern of Trump going after women in journalism with insults and demeaning language. Whether Trump used explicitly sexist terms during his Thursday exchange with Scott, it seems clear that the president has a lingering hostility toward her and other female reporters who cover him in ways he doesn’t like.
