Donald Trump has been criticized for making what many consider a ‘misogynistic’ comment in response to a female journalist’s question.
The former president is known for his history of making crude and often demeaning remarks about women, particularly targeting political opponents or reporters who challenge him.
This is the same individual who was caught on tape boasting about being able to do ‘anything’ he wants with women, including ‘grabbing [women] by the p****,’ a leaked audio clip that emerged in 2016.
Trump has previously made derogatory comments about figures such as Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, women in the House of Representatives including Nancy Pelosi, comedian Rosie O’Donnell, participants on The Apprentice, Miss Universe contestants, and even his own daughter, among others.
Recently, the 79-year-old reverted to his old ways by dismissing a journalist’s question and referring to her as ‘darling’.
The journalist asked Trump at the White House: “As China defends its presence in Latin America, what role do you see for the US?”
The president then addressed Vice President JD Vance, saying: “I just like to watch her talk.”
He followed up with the journalist by saying: “Good job. Thank you darling.”
Many have criticized his remarks as ‘patronizing’ and ‘misogynistic’.
“This is not just dismissive,” one Twitter user noted. “It’s a strategic act of rhetorical control that reframes inquiry as entertainment, undermines professional legitimacy, and reinforces a gendered power dynamic in public discourse. It mirrors the entertainment industry.”
Another user commented: “No idea why every member of that press corp doesn’t all just leave en masse when he comes out with patronizing, misogynistic s*** like this.”
A third expressed that it was blatant ‘sexual harassment on full display’ and ‘gross,’ with many others labeling it as ‘creepy’.
This isn’t the first incident where Trump has commented on a journalist’s appearance.
In 2017, during a diplomatic call with then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Trump called over RTE presenter Caitriona Perry to his desk.
He then remarked to the Irish leader: “She has a nice smile on her face, so I bet she treats you well.”
In the past week, Trump made another offhand comment about his White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
After concluding a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the president abruptly commented on the 28-year-old’s looks, saying: “That face… and those lips. They move like a machine gun, right?”
He had previously made a similar comment about Leavitt’s mouth in August.
Others within his administration have also been subjected to his awkward compliments, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. On separate occasions, Trump remarked that he couldn’t call them ‘beautiful’ as it would end his political career.
Outside of his circle, he often resorts to sexist insults.
For example, he described New York Times columnist Gail Collins as having ‘the face of a dog’ when she wrote about his financial troubles, labeled Fox presenter Megyn Kelly a ‘bimbo,’ and made a veiled reference to menstruation when she questioned him about past sexist accusations during a presidential debate.
He also attacked Arianna Huffington, editor of the Huffington Post, as ‘unattractive both inside and out,’ while mocking her divorce.
On social media, Trump claimed Clinton couldn’t ‘satisfy’ her husband, hinting at Bill Clinton’s affair, and later commented on how ‘blowjobs impacted’ the careers of Clinton and Harris, accusing them of advancing due to sexual favors.
He also derogatorily referred to 1996 Miss Universe winner and Venezuelan actress Alicia Machado as ‘Miss Piggy’ and ‘Miss Housekeeping’.
Additionally, he suggested actress Anne Hathaway is a gold digger, claimed singer Cher had undergone ‘massive plastic surgeries that didn’t work,’ and stated that Angelina Jolie is ‘not’ beautiful.