It’s no secret that Donald Trump has a history of criticizing the media, with many of his recent comments directed at female reporters. But now, one of those reporters is speaking up in return.

Unthinkable Words From A U.S. President

There was once a time in America when the idea of a president openly insulting a journalist with terms like “ugly” or using derogatory labels about public officials would have been shocking and a cause for national outrage. Today, however, such remarks seem to be a part of the new normal in American politics.

In recent weeks, President Trump has been under the spotlight again for his harsh words aimed at members of the press. Many of these comments have been directed toward female journalists, although the White House claims that this has “nothing to do with gender.”

One notable incident occurred in November when Trump addressed a Bloomberg White House correspondent with “Quiet, piggy,” after being asked about the Epstein files—a subject he was evidently keen to avoid.

This was followed shortly after by Trump directing more insults toward a female CNN reporter, labeling her as “nasty” and “stupid.”

Thanksgiving Tirade

Even on Thanksgiving, the tension didn’t ease. Trump continued with a barrage of posts on Truth Social, where he targeted his political adversaries and some public figures. He used an ableist slur in reference to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and directed an Islamophobic comment at Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling her “the worst ‘Congressman/woman’ in our Country… always wrapped in her swaddling hijab.”

Finally, after being queried by another female journalist regarding the suspect in an attack on National Guard members in Washington, D.C., Trump retorted, “Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person?”

CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, known for her role as the network’s chief White House correspondent, found herself in the crosshairs. During a press conference, she inquired about updates to the White House, including Trump’s claim of a privately funded new ballroom. Shortly thereafter, Trump took to Truth Social, this time misspelling her name and posting:

“Caitlin Collin’s of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty…”

CNN’s Response

In his message, Trump defended the renovations, claiming they were “under budget and ahead of schedule,” “much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned,” and “fully paid for by private donations.” He also included another jab at “FAKE NEWS CNN.”

CNN didn’t waste time in responding:

“Kaitlan Collins is an exceptional journalist… audiences around the world know they can trust.”

Collins herself quietly corrected the record on Instagram, pointing out:

“Technically my question was about Venezuela.”

Her comment referred to an incident involving a deadly bombing off the Venezuelan coast, which resulted in more than 80 fatalities. The attack prompted international outrage amid allegations of a possible “double tap,” considered a war crime under international law. The Pentagon has denied any misconduct, asserting:

“Our current operations… are lawful under both US and international law.”

Health Rumors and Rebuttals

Amidst these clashes, speculation about Trump’s own health resurfaced. A New York Times article claimed that the president was demonstrating “signs of fatigue” and grappling with the “realities of aging in office,” to which Trump fiercely replied:

“The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again… I have never worked so hard in my life.”

He insisted that while there might come a time when he runs out of energy, recent health checks have indicated that this won’t happen soon.

The Times has stood firmly by its reporting, with a spokesperson stating:

“Name-calling and personal insults don’t change that,” said Charlie Stadtlander. “Our journalists will not hesitate to cover this administration.”

Even as Trump’s use of belittling, playground-style insults against female journalists has increased noticeably over the past few weeks, the White House continues to assert that these remarks have “nothing to do with gender.”

“President Trump has never been politically correct, never holds back, and in large part, the American people re-elected him for his transparency,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson remarked to The Independent. “This has nothing to do with gender – it has everything to do with the fact that the President’s and the public’s trust in the media is at all-time lows.”