The BareStory
President Donald Trump on Thursday called a reporter a "stupid person" during a press exchange regarding the suspect in a recent shooting near the White House. The confrontation followed a Wednesday attack that officials described as "targeted," in which two National Guard members were shot. One member, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is reportedly "fighting for his life." The suspect was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who is now in custody.
The exchange began after reporter Nancy Cordes questioned the president's claim that the Biden administration allowed the suspect into the country "unvetted." Cordes cited a government report that she said found Afghan refugees were thoroughly vetted. According to one account, she also noted the suspect was granted asylum during the Trump administration. In response, Trump reiterated his position that the suspect was allowed in "unchecked" and asked the reporter if she was a "stupid person." The suspect entered the U.S. in September 2021 as part of "Operation Allies Welcome."
The incident is one of several in recent weeks where the president has directed insults at female reporters. According to one summary, Trump called another journalist "ugly, both inside and out" following an article about his age and health. In another instance this month, he reportedly told a reporter "Quiet, piggy" when she asked about files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, he is said to have berated a journalist who questioned the Saudi Crown Prince about the 2018 murder of a columnist, calling her a "terrible person."
Following the remarks, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the president is "frank and honest" and that reporters should appreciate his openness, according to one account. In contrast, spokespeople for news organizations defended their journalists and reporting. The Society of Professional Journalists reportedly condemned some of the president's comments, describing them as part of a "pattern of hostility — often directed at women — that undermines" a free press.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• You may receive conflicting information from the White House and news media regarding the security vetting of asylum seekers, creating uncertainty about immigration facts.
• The incident could prompt reviews or changes to U.S. refugee and asylum policies, particularly concerning the vetting processes for Afghan nationals.
• The president’s confrontational style with reporters may affect public trust in the news media, with some viewing it as frankness and others as hostility.
