Wave of Attacks by Donald J. Trump on Cnn News Female Journalists 

Trump, the Media, and Old Patterns For many years, Donald Trump has had a contentious relationship with the media. Critics say that he often uses personal insults — especially directed at female reporters — to evade difficult questions or to discredit reporting he dislikes.  Because of this history, each new insult raises concerns among journalists and free-press advocates about whether such behaviour undermines healthy public debate. Now, in late November 2025, the conflict between Trump and some female reporters has flared up again — and at the same time, new reporting has raised questions about Trump’s energy levels, his health, and whether he is adjusting to the “realities of aging in office.” 

 What Happened Most Recently “Piggy” on Air Force One On November 14, 2025 (US time), during a media session aboard Air Force One, a female reporter from Bloomberg News — identified in media reports as Catherine Lucey — asked Trump about files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, particularly what Epstein meant when he wrote that Trump “knew about the girls” he allegedly recruited. According to video and media reports, Trump abruptly cut her off, leaned forward pointing at her, and said: “Quiet. Quiet, piggy.”  The insult shocked many. Some media figures reacted strongly: one anchor reportedly called it “disgusting and completely unacceptable.”  Some defended Trump’s behavior as bluntness or toughness, but many saw it as demeaning and sexist — part of a pattern.  “Ugly, Both Inside and Out” After Age-Report Less than two weeks later, on November 26, 2025, Trump launched another verbal attack — this time against a reporter from The New York Times (NYT). The reporter, Katie Rogers, co-authored a story titled “Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office.” That story raised questions about Trump’s schedule, public appearances, and possible signs of fatigue.  In a post on his social media platform (Truth Social), Trump called Katie Rogers “a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out.” He denounced the NYT as a “cheap ‘rag’” and “enemy of the people.”  This insult followed the “piggy” remark — clearly part of a continuing pattern of targeting women journalists when their reporting is critical of him.  

 What the NYT Report Said about Trump’s Age, Health, and Energy The article by Katie Rogers and colleagues described a noticeable shift in Trump’s public schedule compared to his earlier times in office: According to their analysis, his public appearances and domestic travel have sharply reduced compared to his first term.  On average, most of his public engagements now happen between noon and 5 p.m., rather than earlier and more spread-out times.  On one occasion in early November, during a public event in the Oval Office, Trump appeared to doze off — his eyelids drooped until nearly closed, and for a few seconds he seemed drifting off while others spoke.  The article noted that, at 79, Trump is now the oldest person to have ever held the U.S. presidency.  

The Times indicated that these changes may reflect “realities of aging in office.”  Additionally, there has been public attention on his health: he recently underwent an MRI scan in October (the purpose unspecified), and photos have circulated showing swelling in his ankles and bruises on his hands. Some reports refer to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.  The reporting — thorough and based on his official public schedule — suggests that while Trump continues to maintain a strong public presence, the intensity and volume of his official engagements have visibly reduced compared to his earlier tenure. This has both media and members of the public wondering whether age and physical strain are catching up to him. 

 

Why Trump Reacted Harshly And What His Response Says 

The harsh insults seem directly connected to the reporting on his age and energy level. The tone of Trump's response suggests a strong sensitivity to criticism — especially when it involves his stamina or public image. In his message, Trump declared that he had “never worked so hard” in his life, insisted that the reports are wrong, and claimed to have recently passed a “perfect physical exam and a comprehensive cognitive test.”  Yet, despite these claims, the contrast between a past with numerous early-morning events, high energy rallies, and today’s toned-down schedule is visible. Whether this slowdown is due to a conscious pace adjustment, health-related constraints, or strategic political calculation, the fact remains: the public sees fewer high-energy performances from him than before. That difference in perception may be fueling Trump’s defensive — and personal — reaction toward the reporters raising these concerns. 

 Broader Reactions: Media, Public, and Democracy Backlash from Press and Media Advocates Journalists and free-press supporters have widely condemned Trump’s remarks. The insult “piggy” was called “disgusting” and “completely unacceptable.”  When he called Katie Rogers “ugly, inside and out,” newspapers defended their staff. A spokesperson from The New York Times said that “name-calling and personal insults don’t change that … our journalists will not hesitate to cover this administration in the face of intimidation tactics.”  For many, these repeated incidents are seen as not just rude or unprofessional — but emblematic of a larger problem: using personal degradation to silence critical journalism. Concerns About Age and Transparency The reporting about Trump’s aging, schedule cuts, and visible signs of fatigue has reignited a broader public discussion about the transparency and fitness of older leaders. Some experts and observers argue that the length and intensity of the presidential job — especially in turbulent times — demand high physical and mental stamina. If a leader shows signs of slowing down, it can raise fundamental questions about capacity and accountability. Others counter that aging does not automatically mean ineffectiveness; many older leaders remain sharp, and that age-related changes must be judged case-by-case. But in Trump’s case, the contrast between his prior high-energy persona and recent appearances, combined with his strong reaction to media scrutiny, has stoked public worry. 

The Risk to Press Freedom and Journalistic Integrity 

One of the deeper concerns is that when a powerful leader repeatedly uses personal insults — especially sexist insults — against journalists, it can create a chilling effect. Reporters may feel intimidated or reluctant to ask tough questions. Media outlets may self-censor or avoid certain topics to stay out of direct conflict. Over time, this can erode public trust and hinder the ability of the press to hold government accountable. Many media observers view Trump’s behaviour not just as personal misconduct, but as a challenge to the norms of respectful, independent journalism. 

 What It Means for Trump’s Presidency in Coming Months Putting everything together — the reporting on age and schedule, the public signs of fatigue, and Trump’s aggressive response — we might expect a few possible trajectories. Increased scrutiny and skepticism. As more Americans pay attention to his age and energy levels, opposition and independent media might press harder on health, capability, and transparency. The repeated insults may backfire, decreasing his support among moderate or undecided segments of the public. More defensive posture. Trump may continue to respond to criticism with harm to individuals (journalists), rather than addressing the substance of concerns. That could intensify polarization: supporters may view criticism as “fake news,” while critics may see it as evidence of declining capacity and authoritarian tendencies. Impact on media relations and public discourse. If journalists feel under threat or insult, their willingness to challenge the administration might erode. That could weaken oversight and reduce public access to unbiased, hard-hitting reporting — especially on sensitive issues like health, policy, and transparency. Shifts in internal political dynamics. Allies, advisers, and political commentators may internally gauge whether Trump’s health and stamina remain assets. If doubts grow, there could be pressure for delegation of duties or bringing in more visible surrogates for public appearances.   

The Bigger Picture Why Age, Media, and Respect Matter 

This episode is not just about one leader insulting some journalists, nor is it only about one article on fatigue. It reveals deeper tensions in democratic societies, especially around issues such as: The role and safety of the free press: A free press must be allowed to question and critique those in power — even if uncomfortable or damaging. Personal attacks on journalists threaten that fundamental role. Respect and civility in public office: Leaders hold power and influence. When they use cruel or sexist language, it undermines public norms and can embolden intolerance and disrespect in broader society. Transparency about health and age: For leaders at advanced age, open and honest dialogue about health, stamina, and capacity becomes important. The public has a stake in knowing whether those who govern remain fit to make decisions. Trust and legitimacy: When media attacks are met with insults instead of dialogue, it undermines trust — both in the leader and in institutions like newspapers and journalism. That can erode democratic legitimacy over time.   Conclusion The recent wave of insults from President Donald Trump toward female reporters — from calling one “piggy” aboard Air Force One to labeling another “ugly, both inside and out” after a story about his age and energy — is a stark example of how personal animosity and media criticism can collide. At the same time, serious questions have emerged about whether Trump, now 79, is facing real challenges as he ages — from reduced public schedule to visible signs of fatigue. The reporting, based on public-schedule data and direct observation, paints a picture of a president whose style and stamina may be evolving. What makes this moment particularly important is the broader message it sends: about press freedom, about respect for journalists, about transparency, and about what voters should expect from their leaders. If democracy depends on an informed public and a fearless press, then mutual respect — even between those in power and those who hold power to account — matters deeply. When that respect erodes, it is not just individual journalists who suffer, but the health of democratic discourse itself.