Trump Criticizes Female Reporters, Raising Concerns About Press Freedom

<p>President Trump and his team frequently describe him as the most media-accessible president in history, but an Axios analysis indicates that female reporters often face disparagement from him. </p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Press freedom advocates argue that Trump's comments undermine media trust and expose journalists to harassment.</p><hr /><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> Trump's recent remarks targeted New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman and "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker. </p><ul><li>Trump referred to Haberman as an "unattractive person both inside and out" and a "SCAMMER" regarding a recent story about his plans for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. He has consistently criticized Haberman over her reporting, including her book about his presidency.</li></ul><p><strong>On Sunday,</strong> Trump expressed his displeasure with Welker, stating she would be reported to the FCC for "rebuke or punishment" after she suggested on "Meet the Press" that his endorsement carries less political weight than in previous years.</p><ul><li>He labeled her reporting a "Threat to our Country." </li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated, "President Trump has never been concerned with being politically correct, never holds back, and in large part, the American people re-elected him for his transparency." She added that the issue is not about gender but rather about the low trust in the media.</p><ul><li>Trump has demeaned female reporters at least thirteen times since November 2025, according to Axios' tracking. His comments have included derogatory remarks towards Bloomberg's Catherine Lucey after she asked a question about convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.</li></ul><p><strong>Yes, but:</strong> While Trump has also attacked male reporters, those insults tend to be less personal. For instance, he criticized former CNN star Don Lemon's intelligence at the 2026 White House Correspondents Dinner and referred to then-CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta as a "rude, terrible person" in 2018.</p><ul><li><strong>The other side:</strong> Lauren Harper, the Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, warned that Trump's attacks represent a dangerous escalation in First Amendment rights. She stated, "This is a continuation in his attacks on the free press and intent to intimidate, punish them for coverage he doesn't like. It's also... a continuation of an attack on women in particular. This has been a recurring theme for him."</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in:</strong> Trump has made repeated comments about female reporters' capabilities and appearances, including calling ABC News' Rachel Scott "one of the worst reporters" and telling CNN's Kaitlan Collins to smile. He also referred to CNN's Kristen Holmes as a "loud, boisterous person" and instructed her to "be quiet" during a question about a White House aide.</p><ul><li>Additionally, he has insulted female reporters of color, calling them "second-rate," questioning their intelligence, and labeling them "nasty," which has prompted the National Association of Black Journalists to condemn his behavior.</li></ul><p><strong>The bottom line:</strong> The White House claims that trust in the media is at historic lows. However, Harper argues that Trump's repeated attacks on female reporters do not help rebuild this trust. She emphasized the need for engagement with reporters who may disagree with the administration to foster public trust.</p><ul><li><strong>Go deeper:</strong> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/trump-targets-female-reporters-with-disparaging-rhetoric">Trump targets women reporters with disparaging rhetoric</a></li></ul>