On November 14, 2025, President Donald Trump criticized New York Times reporter Katie Rogers, referring to her as "ugly" in a post on Truth Social. This incident marks the third occasion in recent weeks where Trump has directed personal insults at female journalists. His comments followed a report co-authored by Rogers that suggested signs of aging during his presidency. Trump dismissed the article's accuracy, labeling the New York Times as a "cheap 'rag'" and an "enemy of the people."

A spokesperson for The New York Times defended Rogers, asserting that the reporting was accurate and based on firsthand information. They emphasized that personal attacks do not undermine the integrity of journalistic work and highlighted the importance of an independent press in informing the public about government actions.

In a separate incident, Trump criticized ABC News reporter Mary Bruce during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He expressed discontent with her question regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files, calling her a "terrible reporter" and dismissing inquiries about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence has linked to the crown prince.

Trump also made a derogatory comment towards Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, whom he referred to as "piggy" during a flight on Air Force One. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized Trump's remarks as reflective of his frankness, suggesting that voters appreciate his directness. She stated that his approach differs from previous administrations and is not influenced by gender.

In response to Trump's comments, a spokesperson for Bloomberg News reaffirmed the essential role of White House journalists in asking critical questions and reporting on matters of public interest. While Trump's remarks have predominantly targeted female reporters, he has also criticized male journalists and public figures, indicating a broader pattern of confrontational rhetoric.

Additionally, Trump has made disparaging remarks about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, calling him "a low-IQ person" and "a fat slob" during a turkey pardon event at the White House. This pattern of personal attacks raises questions about the implications for press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the current political climate. The Society of Professional Journalists has condemned Trump's comments, highlighting a troubling trend of hostility towards the press, particularly towards women, which undermines the essential role of a free and independent media.