It seems President Donald Trump’s pattern of targeting Black female reporters continues. During a press briefing, MS Now White House Correspondent Akayla Gardner found herself on the receiving end of personal insults after questioning the escalating costs of White House renovation projects.
Challenging the Numbers
Gardner pressed Trump on the significant cost overruns for his planned White House ballroom and the National Mall reflecting pool. She pointed out the discrepancy between initial estimates and the ballooning figures, drawing a parallel to Trump’s own criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for similar budget issues. The ballroom project, initially slated for $200 million, has reportedly soared to over $400 million, while the reflecting pool’s repainting jumped from an estimated $1.8 million to over $13 million.
Trump’s response was contradictory. He claimed the ballroom was “under budget” and “ahead of schedule,” despite acknowledging he had doubled its size. When Gardner followed up, seeking clarification, Trump’s demeanor shifted dramatically.
Personal Attacks and a Troubling Pattern
Instead of addressing the financial concerns, Trump resorted to personal attacks, calling Gardner “You dumb person…you are not a smart person.” This incident is not isolated; it follows a disturbing trend of Trump targeting female reporters, particularly Black women, with demeaning language. Just days prior, he called ABC News White House Correspondent Rachel Scott a “stupid person” for questioning his focus on renovations amidst rising gas prices and the war in Iran.
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has strongly condemned this behavior. NABJ President Errin Haines issued a statement emphasizing that such attacks on Black women journalists are not just personal affronts but also assaults on the vital role of a free press in a democracy. The association vowed to defend the right of Black journalists to perform their duties without fear of being targeted or demeaned.
A Broader Impact on Journalism
The NABJ highlighted historical instances of similar targeting against prominent Black female journalists like Yamiche Alcindor, Abby Phillip, and April Ryan, underscoring that this is a long-standing issue. Their statement serves as a powerful reminder that when journalists, especially those from marginalized communities, are attacked for asking legitimate questions, it undermines the public’s right to information and the health of democratic discourse.
What are your thoughts on President Trump’s remarks towards Akayla Gardner? Share your views in the comments below!