Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Calls Female Reporter “Dumb,” Media Groups Decry Harassment

5/13/2026

32 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On May 12, U.S. President Donald Trump called a female reporter “dumb” on White House South Lawn when the exchange was recorded.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Trump answers and calls the press out for “fake news.”
The International Women’s Media Foundation warned the remarks show a pattern of harassing women journalists that can spur abuse, while Dr. Amy Tatum of Bournemouth Media School says backlash may embolden Trump.

1 of 1

Story summary

On May 12, U.S. President Donald Trump called a female reporter “dumb” on White House South Lawn when the exchange was recorded.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Trump answers and calls the press out for “fake news.”
The International Women’s Media Foundation warned the remarks show a pattern of harassing women journalists that can spur abuse, while Dr. Amy Tatum of Bournemouth Media School says backlash may embolden Trump.