Trump Calls Reporter Ugly After Article on His Health

President Trump directed another personal insult at a female journalist on Wednesday, this time aimed at New York Times reporter Katie Rogers. According to NBC News, it marks the third time in recent weeks that he has publicly insulted a female reporter. In his Truth Social post, President Trump called Rogers “ugly, both inside and out.” The post came a day after the Times published a story by Rogers and a male colleague discussing signs of aging he appeared to display. The president responded by saying he had recently taken both a physical exam and a cognitive test and passed them.

He also criticized the Times itself, calling the paper a “cheap rag” and an “enemy of the people,” according to the Hill. The newspaper defended its reporting, saying it stands by its accuracy and won’t be discouraged by personal attacks. Rogers’ reporting, the Times said, demonstrates how “an independent and free press helps the American people better understand their government and its leaders.”

The exchange follows other recent clashes between the president and members of the media. Last week, President Trump called Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey “piggy,” a remark press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended as an example of the president’s direct style. He also verbally attacked ABC News reporter Mary Bruce in the Oval Office. And on Tuesday, he mocked the appearance of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.