Former President Donald Trump, the oldest individual to ever hold the presidency, is at it again. His most recent incendiary comments, directed at women members of the press, caused quite the furor. Known for his history of making personal attacks, Trump recently lashed out at reporters during a flight on Air Force One and at official events.
In a tense encounter with a Bloomberg News reporter, Trump refers to the mongrel as a “piggy.” This event is just the latest example of his tendencies to aim some of his most incendiary attacks at women in journalism. In a second case, he lashed out at New York Times reporter Katie Rogers, relentlessly attacking her for being “ugly, both inside and out.” His vitriolic insult came after she challenged his administration’s record. Trump’s comments are a continuation of an insulting history of comments he has made towards female journalists, usually calling them “nasty.”
The handling of Trump’s media appearances have come under some fire, especially as he begins to show other signs of advancing age and unhealthy behaviors. When he appeared drowsy at an Oval Office event on November 6, observers were concerned. In recent months, he has begun to demonstrate unmistakable signs of fatigue. After much speculation about Trump’s health, he indeed acknowledged that he had an MRI last month.
In light of his continued attacks, The New York Times has publicly defended his colleagues and their original reporting. A spokesperson emphasized the importance of accurate journalism in understanding government actions: “Expert and thorough reporters like Katie Rogers exemplify how an independent and free press helps the American people better understand their government and its leaders.”
Yet after weathering every imaginable sort of condemnation, Trump has stuck to his media-baiting non-schedule. He frequently boasts about the passion and commitment he brings to his job. Indeed, he claims that he’s never been “working harder in my life.” The bad blood between the president and the press may have healed, but it’s still having an impact on public conversation.