Irked Trump insults female reporters at news conference

Appearing to have misheard “thank you” as “thinking,” Trump said “that’s OK, I know you’re not thinking. You never do.”

US President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Johnson City, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump who has now earned a reputation for being combative towards media, on Monday mocked two female journalists at a press conference at the White House. The two reporters who became Trump’s target at the event were ABC’s Cecilia Vega and CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, who had put questions about Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. During the event on trade, Trump called on Cecilia Vega and reportedly said with a sense of contempt “She is shocked that I picked her. She is like in a state of shock”, reported AFP. Vega opposed Trump’s remark and said that she was not shocked. However, Trump apparently misheard her as she said “I’m not. Thank you, Mr President.” Appearing to have misheard “Thank You” as “Thinking,” he said “That’s OK, I know you’re not thinking. You never do.” A puzzled Vega responded with an “I’m sorry?”. Trump replied, “Go ahead.” The reporter asked him a question about the FBI investigation into Kavanaugh case but Trump stopped her saying that he would answer questions about trade first and would later entertain questions on Kavanaugh (his SC nominee). Vega then put up a question related to trade. She asked him about the prospects for trade legislation before Congress. CNN's Kaitlan Collins also tried to ask two questions about Kavanaugh investigation, but it appeared a failed attempt as Trump replied ‘Don’t do that. That’s not nice.’ He said he wanted to answer questions about trade and moved to next reporter. Later, Trump came back to Collins for her questions and she asked him whether or not Trump would disqualify Kavanaugh if it was found that he lied to the Senate Judiciary Committee when he was testifying about a woman’s claim of sexual assault. Trump in response said that he was surprised how much Kavanaugh had talked about beer. The reporter tried to steer him back to her question, but Trump moved on to talk about how he was not a drinker. He said “I can honestly say I’ve never had a beer in my life. It’s one of my only good traits. I don’t drink.” The reporter tried again, but Trump said: “You know what? You’ve really had enough,” Trump said. “You’ve had enough.” The reporters who felt offended at the behaviour of the President later took to Twitter to express their opinion.

A news conference means you get to ask whatever question you want to ask. #FirstAmendment

— Cecilia Vega (@CeciliaVega) October 1, 2018

Ditto. https://t.co/QO9gdFxJMR

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 1, 2018