‘I just like to watch her talk’ Trump sparks backlash for sexist remark to journalist at White House

Washington DC: During a White House press event with Argentine President Javier Milei on Wednesday US President Donald Trump sparked a wave of criticism for a remark directed at a female journalist while ignoring her question.

When the reporter asked about China’s expanding presence in Latin America and its implications for the United States, Trump, instead of addressing the question, said to Vice President JD Vance, “I just like to watch her talk.” He then returned to the journalist and added, “Good job… thank you, darling,” while laughing. The exchange was widely circulated on social media and drew strong backlash from journalists and political observers.

Critics called the comment sexist and inappropriate, highlighting it as part of a pattern in Trump’s public interactions. Social media users noted that such remarks undermine women in professional settings and reinforce gender stereotypes. One user wrote, “When you can’t answer the substance, you go for the most overtly sexist deflection.”

Trump’s history of controversial remarks toward women is well-documented. In 2023, during a speech at Sharm El-Sheikh, he described Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as “beautiful” and asked if she was offended, sparking a debate over sexism and diplomacy. Similarly, in 2021, Trump faced criticism for comments about female journalists during press briefings, often focusing on appearance rather than questions.

Experts on political communication say such comments, particularly in high-profile international settings, draw scrutiny not only domestically but globally, affecting perceptions of US leadership and professionalism. Media analysts also note that repeated incidents create an ongoing pattern that fuels debates about sexism in politics and public discourse.

The  incident comes amid heightened media attention on Trump’s behaviour toward women in public forums, reigniting discussions on ethical standards, gender sensitivity, and accountability for elected officials in high-profile roles.