BUTTIGIEG BLASTS TRUMP: “Ugly Inside and Out” – Attacks on Women Reporters Are Unacceptable

WASHINGTON — Former Transportation Secretary and 2028 presidential contender Pete Buttigieg didn’t mince words Tuesday, taking aim at President Donald Trump for his repeated sexist attacks on female journalists. Speaking to a group of reporters and political activists, Buttigieg condemned Trump’s latest personal insult, in which he called New York Times White House correspondent Katie Rogers a “third-rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out.”

The attack came in response to Rogers’ reporting on signs of Trump’s fatigue and aging, part of routine coverage expected of any national journalist. Buttigieg highlighted that this latest insult follows a pattern: just weeks earlier, Trump had publicly called another female reporter “piggy” while aboard Air Force One.

“This isn’t leadership,” Buttigieg said, his tone firm and unwavering. “This is playground bullying from a man who can’t handle tough questions. Attacking women’s looks to dodge accountability? That’s not ‘America First’ — it’s ego first, and it sets a dangerous example for our daughters and sons.”

The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, emphasized that such behavior has broader implications beyond the immediate targets. “When the highest office in the land legitimizes personal attacks on women, it normalizes harassment, undermines respect for journalism, and erodes trust in our institutions,” Buttigieg warned. “A free press is not the enemy of the people—it’s the backbone of democracy. Trump may not like tough questions, but responding with insults is never the answer.”

Buttigieg recounted stories from his time as mayor and Transportation Secretary, reflecting on moments when accountability and transparency were essential to leadership. “Effective leaders lead by example,” he explained. “They face criticism with dignity, answer tough questions with facts, and respect the people who hold them accountable. Attacking a reporter’s appearance is not leadership. It is the opposite. It teaches children that bullying is acceptable and that power excuses cruelty.”

He also underscored the symbolic impact of Trump’s behavior on the next generation. “Every young girl seeing these attacks learns a lesson: your value can be dismissed or demeaned simply because of your appearance. Every boy watching learns: it’s acceptable to treat women disrespectfully when you hold power. That is not the society we should teach our children to believe in.”

Buttigieg’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Trump’s relationship with the press. Over the last several years, the former president has repeatedly used public forums to insult journalists, particularly women, in what critics describe as a systematic effort to undermine credibility and shift attention away from policy failures or personal accountability. Analysts note that this pattern of behavior is unique in its intensity and consistency, setting it apart from typical political rhetoric.

In his address, Buttigieg emphasized the importance of courage and integrity in public life. “A leader’s strength is measured not by how loudly they can shout insults, but by how consistently they uphold principles of fairness, respect, and responsibility,” he said. “Journalists ask questions to serve the public. Responding with ad hominem attacks is not a sign of strength; it is a sign of weakness. It signals fear, insecurity, and a refusal to be accountable.”

Buttigieg also highlighted the broader societal consequences of normalizing such behavior. “When our leaders belittle and demean, they legitimize a culture of harassment. Women in every profession, in every field, see that disrespect is tolerated at the highest level. That cannot stand. We must call it out.”

The former Transportation Secretary called on Americans to support journalists and demand better from elected officials. “Respect is not optional,” he said. “It is a cornerstone of our democracy. If Trump wants respect, he should earn it, not attack those who speak truth to power. Enough is enough.”

Buttigieg’s message was both a critique and a call to action. He encouraged citizens to speak up, defend press freedom, and reject the normalization of misogyny in public discourse. “We cannot accept a culture where power allows personal attacks to replace policy debate. That is toxic. That is corrosive. And that is not who we are as a nation.”

The speech concluded with a direct appeal to social media and civic engagement. “Stand with those who tell the truth,” Buttigieg said. “Lift women up. Challenge bullying. Speak out when respect is denied. The time for passivity has passed. Every one of us has a role to play in shaping a society where leadership is defined by integrity, not insult.”

Supporters in attendance cheered, many sharing Buttigieg’s words on social media, using them to highlight the contrast between traditional democratic values and the current climate of personal attacks. Tweets and posts praising Buttigieg’s stance quickly circulated, with hashtags emphasizing press freedom, respect for women, and accountability in leadership.

Political analysts noted that Buttigieg’s remarks could strengthen his standing among voters concerned about civility, ethics, and gender equality in politics. By framing the issue as one of principle rather than party, he reinforced his broader campaign message: leadership requires accountability, respect, and moral courage.

In the weeks following the speech, the story gained traction, sparking national debate about the treatment of women in media and the responsibilities of those in power. Media outlets highlighted Buttigieg’s condemnation as a rare, direct, and uncompromising critique from a prominent political figure, signaling that attacks on journalists are no longer tolerable simply as political rhetoric.

In summary, Buttigieg’s message was clear: attacks on women journalists are unacceptable, and the values of respect, accountability, and press freedom must be upheld. “We cannot allow bullying from the top to define our national discourse,” he said. “Leadership is about lifting people up, not tearing them down. The time to demand better is now.”

The former Transportation Secretary’s statement serves as both a warning and an invitation: to defend democratic norms, to champion gender equality, and to ensure that public office reflects integrity, not ego. By taking a stand, Buttigieg reaffirmed the importance of protecting journalists and promoting a culture of respect, sending a resonant message that leadership is measured not by insults, but by courage, accountability, and unwavering principles.