President Donald Trump has recently faced criticism regarding the nature of his behavior with female reporters. While answering questions aboard Air Force One on Nov. 14, Trump was asked by Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey why documents related to the Jeffery Epstein case had not been released. Instead of answering respectfully, Trump pointed at her and said, “Quiet. Quiet, piggy.” The comment quickly went viral, and many journalists and media organizations called it sexist and, ultimately, demeaning.
The White House further attempted to defend the remark by claiming Catherine was “inappropriate and unprofessional,” yet gave no evidence as to what action in particular related to that nature. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt even described President Trump as being “frank and honest,” claiming that this type of behavior is one of the reasons he was re-elected.
Yet this wasn’t the end of his insults. The New York Times recently published an article claiming President Trump’s public appearances were limited, in which his battery to tolerate reporters seems to have worn out. Trump then posted a long paragraph explaining that he had “never worked harder in his life,” further calling the author Katie Rogers “ugly, both inside and out.” This remark was quoted and spread onto social media, with many now fully believing that the President was sexist. Groups such as the International Women’s Media Foundation have been particularly vocal on this current issue. They argue that these comments contribute more toward sexism than assumed, claiming that it makes journalism itself seem invaluable — especially when female reporters are seemingly being singled out for doing their jobs.
Furthermore, when a leader repeatedly insults the people who are supposed to hold him accountable in his actions and words, it sets a disheartening example. It not only encourages others to mistreat women, but female journalists in particular. To be a journalist is to ask the impending questions that need to be asked, to hold people in the government who “advocate for the people” accountable for what they promise to do, yet never accomplish. For that work to be constantly dishonored, specifically by a leader, reflects a dangerous precedent of disrespect toward all reporters.
In the words of Margot Robbie, “It is literally impossible to be a woman.” Female leaders and reporters deserve the same respect given to male colleagues, and leaders who use degrading words as a defense mechanism, including President Trump, should be held accountable. When we write off those actions as a personality trait, or blame victims, we enable such behavior to exist in our society, and contribute to the normalization of disrespect towards women.