Trump insults female reporter in tense press conference exchange: ‘I know you’re not thinking. You never do’
'She's shocked that I picked her. She's, like, in a state of shock'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Donald Trump has insulted a female member of the White House press corps, suggesting that the reporter was in “shock” by the very fact that she was called on to ask him a question, and that she does not think.
The comment came during a Monday morning press conference, where the president also ranted more generally about the media — a group of people he has consistently cast in an adversarial light.
“She’s shocked that I picked on her. She’s, like, in a state of shock,” Mr Trump said from behind a podium in the White House Rose Garden, where he was flanked by high ranking members of his administration, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The reporter, ABC’s White House correspondent Cecilia Vega, then tried to correct the president, but was then met with further insults.
“No, I’m not. Thank you, Mr President,” Ms Vega responded.
“That’s OK. I know you’re not thinking,” Mr Trump then said. “You never do”.
Mr Trump’s insult was criticised on social media following the event, with critics suggesting that the exchange was indicative of misogyny in the White House.
“Among other things, 45 is a bully and a misogynist and the GOP enables him,” one Twitter user wrote, referring to Mr Trump’s succession as the 45th president of the United States.
But Mr Trump’s interaction with Ms Vega was not the only contentious moment during the Monday press conference, which was arranged by the White House to discuss trade issues.
Mr Trump also refused to answer a question posed by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, who attempted to ask about sexual assault allegations that the president’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, had behaved inappropriately over three decades ago.
When Ms Collins attempted to ask the president about those issues, Mr Trump shut her down and ordered a White House aide to take the microphone away from her.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments