WH defends Trump for calling female reporter 'ugly': 'People re-elected him for his transparency'

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump sparked a fresh wave of controversy on Wednesday, after attacking New York Times reporter Katie Rogers over a story she co-wrote about his apparent “signs of fatigue” during his second term.

The White House, however, quickly circled the wagons, insisting Americans admire the president’s “transparency” and blunt style.

In a fiery Truth Social post, the 79-year-old president lashed out at Rogers, accusing her of being assigned to write “only bad things” about him and escalating it into a personal insult. “Katie Rogers… is a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out,” Trump wrote, slamming her work as politically motivated and unfair.

Trump erupted after report on his age, travel slowdown and signs of fatigue

Rogers’ piece, co-written with NYT journalist Dylan Freedman, explored how Trump’s age is influencing his workload, schedules and public appearances. The report noted that Trump has traveled less domestically and has displayed moments suggesting fatigue, which the article framed as “realities of aging in office.”

One section highlighted claims that Trump appeared to fall asleep during an official meeting, an allegation he quickly denied, insisting he is “not a sleeper.” Rogers also cited a noticeable bruise on his hand in recent weeks, which fueled speculation about his health.

The president blasted the newspaper as a whole, calling The New York Times a “cheap RAG” and an “ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE,” accusing it of manufacturing negativity about him. “The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again,” he declared, before touting the “Work and Energy” he says he puts into the job.

To further defend his stamina, Trump reminded supporters that he recently underwent a cognitive exam commonly used to screen for dementia, emphasizing it was “aced” and part of a “perfect physical.”

White House doubles down, rejects claims of sexism

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended Trump’s outburst in a statement to PEOPLE, saying: “President Trump has never been politically correct, never holds back, and…the American people re-elected him for his transparency.”

“This has nothing to do with gender,” Jackson added, emphasizing plummeting public trust in mainstream media.

The Times pushed back, calling its reporting “accurate” and rooted in firsthand accounts. “Name-calling and personal insults don’t change that,” the outlet said, praising Rogers as an example of a strong, independent press.

Pattern of attacks on female journalists continues

This incident is the latest in a string of confrontations between Trump and female reporters. Less than two weeks earlier, he snapped, “Quiet. Quiet, Piggy” at Bloomberg correspondent Catherine Lucey aboard Air Force One after she questioned him on the Epstein files.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended him again, arguing that Trump’s directness is “one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president.” She said reporters should “appreciate the frankness,” even if they find it uncomfortable.