August M
Donald Trump launched a personal attack on New York Times reporter Katie Rogers after the newspaper published data showing a sharp drop in his public engagements during his second term.
A new analysis of Donald Trump’s public timetable has prompted an angry backlash from the US President, who lashed out at a New York Times journalist after she helped publish reporting on his reduced workload in his second term.
His remarks reignited long-running tensions between Trump and members of the press.
The comments followed the release of new data comparing the number of official events across his two presidencies.
Reporting sparks backlash
According to the New York Times, Trump has held fewer public engagements this year than during the equivalent period of his first term.
The outlet reported that between January 20 and November 25 in 2017, he took part in 1,688 official events, compared with 1,029 over the same span this year.
The piece also stated that his average start time had shifted from 10.31am in his first term to 12.08pm in his current one.
Trump responded on Truth Social, writing: “The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again,” and calling the report a political attack.
He continued: “Radical Left Lunatics in the soon to fold New York Times did a hit piece on me that I am perhaps losing my Energy… This cheap ‘RAG’ is truly an ‘ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.’”
Direct attack on reporter
“The President then targeted reporter Katie Rogers, who co-wrote the analysis. Trump said, ‘The writer of the story, Katie Rogers, who is assigned to write only bad things about me, is a third-rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out,’ reports The Express.”
The remarks add to a pattern of derogatory comments directed at female journalists. Last week, Trump drew criticism for telling another reporter “quiet, piggy” when asked about the unreleased Epstein files.
Ongoing speculation
Although Trump frequently questioned Joe Biden’s fitness during the 2024 election cycle, speculation has continued about the President’s own health since he returned to office at age 78.
Photographs showing a dark mark on Trump’s hand have circulated widely, with some observers suggesting it could indicate bruising or a medical issue.
The White House has not commented further, and Trump maintains that suggestions about his health are politically motivated.
Sources: Express, New York Times
