The Women Covering Political Journalism

Photo via CNN

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On February 3, 2026, members of the press, including CNN’s current White House Correspondent, Kaitlan Collins, were interviewing President Trump in the Oval Office. While discussing the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, Collins asked Trump “[what he would say] to the survivors [of Epstein.]” In response, Trump lashed out, telling her, “You are the worst reporter. No wonder—CNN has no ratings because of people like you. You know, she’s a young woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. I’ve known you for 10 years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile on your face.” He continued, “You know why you’re not smiling? Because you know you’re not telling the truth. And you’re, you’re a very dishonest organization. And they should be ashamed of you.” During this exchange, Collins interjected with “I am asking about survivors-” 

The next week, Collins appeared on an episode of the “Absolutely Not!” podcast hosted by comedian and influencer Heather McMahan. During the episode, titled “Smiling with Kaitlan Collins,”  Collins discussed her reasoning to her question asking about Epstein’s victims. “The point is to ask what the victims and the survivors thought, it’s about what these women think about what [Trump’s] administration has done,” she said. Collins also added, “No man has ever been told to smile.” This incident was not the first time Trump publicly attacked Collins. In 2016, he referred to her as “Caitlin Collin’s of Fake News CNN, always Stupid and Nasty” in a post on his Truth Social account.

And it turns out, Collins has not been the only female journalist to receive misogynistic insults and comments by Trump. He has previously made headlines  for berating female reporters. In November 2025, Bloomberg News White House correspondent Catherine Lucey was told, “Quiet. Quiet, Piggy.” by the current president after asking about the release of the Epstein files, a question similar to Collins’ inquiry. That same week, ABC News White House correspondent Mary Bruce was reporting on Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman’s, visit to the White House. Bruce asked the Prince directly about the death of Washington Post reporter, Jamal Khashoggi, in 2018. To which, Trump stated, “You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.” He also described her question as “a horrible, insubordinate, and just a terrible question.” Later in the interview, Bruce asked the president about the Epstein files. He responded with, “It’s not the question that I mind; it’s your attitude.” He continued, “I think you are a terrible reporter. It’s the way you ask these questions.” “You’re a terrible person and a terrible reporter.” “You ought to go back and learn how to be a reporter.” He concluded with, “No more questions from you.” 

Prior to delving into the world of politics, Trump hosted and owned the annual Miss Universe pageant. The competition features women from around the world, with one contestant ultimately awarded the coveted title of “Miss Universe”. In 1996, Alicia Machado, the Miss Universe winner representing Venezuela,was insulted by Trump when he referred to  her as “Miss Piggy.” 

Twenty years later, when Trump and Hillary Clinton were campaigning against each other, Clinton spoke about Machado during a presidential debate. “One of the worst things he said was about a woman in a beauty contest. He loves beauty contests, supporting them and hanging around them,” Clinton added, “And he called this woman ‘Miss Piggy.’ 

Regardless of political differences, many have questioned how women are expected to feel empowered when they are constantly belittled and criticized for their gender, particularly by the President of the United States.  

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This article was edited by Karol Quinde.