Story perspectives

Trump Calls Reporter 'Stupid' During Contentious Thanksgiving Briefing

11/29/2025

Center

Trump Insults Reporter

President Donald Trump called CBS News reporter Nancy Cordes a "stupid person" during a Thanksgiving press conference after she questioned his claims about Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
Trump insisted Lakanwal was unvetted and allowed into the U.S. under the Biden administration, despite Cordes referencing a report confirming thorough vetting.
Trump announced plans to pause migration from "Third World Countries" and used a slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, drawing criticism and highlighting his contentious relationship with the press.

Left

Trump's Controversial Remarks

U.S. President Donald Trump faced backlash for Thanksgiving remarks in which he called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz "seriously retarded" and criticized Somali immigrants.
The remarks followed the fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national.
Trump announced a "permanent pause" on immigration from "Third World Countries."
Republican strategists condemned Trump's language as alienating moderate voters and harming the GOP image.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, drastically reduced immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe by 87% and banned Asian immigrants, establishing quotas based on the 1890 census. This legislation reflected growing xenophobia and aimed to preserve U.S. ethnic homogeneity. Trump's recent comments about halting migration from "Third World Countries" resonate with these historical exclusionary practices.

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Trump Insults Reporter

President Donald Trump called CBS News reporter Nancy Cordes a "stupid person" during a Thanksgiving press conference after she questioned his claims about Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
Trump insisted Lakanwal was unvetted and allowed into the U.S. under the Biden administration, despite Cordes referencing a report confirming thorough vetting.
Trump announced plans to pause migration from "Third World Countries" and used a slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, drawing criticism and highlighting his contentious relationship with the press.

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