Rachel Scott Counters Trump After He Berates Her in Public Showdown
By Rob Redding
NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2025, 11 p.m. — In a tense exchange that has once again spotlighted the ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and female journalists, ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott stood her ground after Trump called her “the most obnoxious reporter” during a recent press event.
The incident unfolded when Scott questioned Trump about his previous claim that he had “no problem” releasing footage related to a controversial September 2 strike off the coast of Venezuela. The strike, linked to alleged drug traffickers, has become a flashpoint amid bipartisan scrutiny and accusations of potential war crimes.
In a video shared by Scott on her Instagram, Trump dismissed her inquiry, saying, “I didn’t say that; you said that,” before labeling ABC News as “fake news.” The president’s outburst was part of a pattern of hostile interactions with female journalists, especially women of color, including Yamiche Alcindor and April Ryan.
Scott responded with clarity and evidence, presenting video clips that contradicted Trump’s denial. Her firm stance drew praise from many in the media circles, highlighting her resilience in the face of verbal assault.
This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations where Trump has targeted female reporters with insults and dismissive language, often involving racial undertones. Notably, just days prior, Trump called CNN’s Kaitlan Collins “stupid and nasty” after she asked questions about his administration’s military actions.
Media analysts and advocates have condemned Trump’s pattern of verbal attacks, warning it threatens press freedom and fosters a culture of misogyny. Nicole Wallace of MS Now emphasized the importance of resisting normalization of such behavior, stating, “This is sick. We need to stand as a press corps and say, ‘No more.’”
As the debate around press freedom intensifies, Scott’s steadfastness serves as a reminder of the vital role journalists play in holding power to account, even amid hostility.
(Rob Redding is the author of the forthcoming book Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung out on Jan. 5, 2026. Redding is the No. 1 bestselling author of 17 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist, known for his piece “Black Power: Unapologetically Militant,” and he lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City).