Maggie Haberman of The New York Times has addressed Donald Trump’s disparaging remarks towards her and his broader pattern of targeting female journalists, noting that his language has become significantly harsher during his second term.
According to Haberman, Trump’s attacks on female reporters have become increasingly vicious and aggressive, moving beyond his previous pattern of online insults during his first term, often through Twitter [now X]. She shared these insights with Christiane Amanpour on the latest episode of the podcast, “Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files.”
Haberman highlighted that she has been a target of Trump’s insults for years, including being called a “hag,” referred to as “Maggot,” and receiving derogatory comments about her appearance.
She brushed off these insults, stating, “I mean, who cares? I mean, he can say whatever he wants.”
Amanpour questioned why, when Trump insults a journalist in the presence of others, the press corps does not unite with the belief that “an attack on one is an attack on all,” and either choose not to attend or ensure the questioned is answered collectively.
Haberman disagreed with this strategy, suggesting that confrontations with journalists might be the distraction Trump seeks. She expressed a preference for focusing on getting him to answer questions, although she acknowledged that this has become increasingly challenging.
Haberman, who co-authored the new Trump exposé “Regime Change,” mentioned that it has become more challenging to follow up on reporters’ questions since the White House assumed control over the press pool from the White House Correspondents’ Association.
“My colleagues will ask a tough question, and the follow-up is from some very friendly media toward him,” she explained. “‘Mr. Trump, how are you so handsome?’ Or something. So, it’s really hard. That is where he has succeeded, and it is one of the ways that he has been more effective.”
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