It is not inconspicuous that US President Donald Trump has a problem with the media. His aversion bordering on outright hostility with the press has been on display ever since the Republican leader came to power in January 2017.

On many occasions, Trump has called the media biased for questioning his controversial policies and knee-jerk style of decision making. He has also been accused of harbouring a sexist attitude towards women.

It was that feeling of antipathy that was captured by the cameras when Trump had a moment of tense confrontation with a female journalist during a press conference at the White House on 1 October.

While addressing reporters, Trump gave ABC News’s Cecilia Vega the opportunity to ask a question. Just as Vega was about to pose her question, the US President remarked, “She’s shocked that I picked her. She’s in a state of shock.”

Vega promptly responded that she wasn’t.

“Thank you, Mr. President. I’m not,” Vega said.

“That’s OK, I know you’re not thinking. You never do,” Trump shot back.

Vega, clearly surprised at Trump’s comment, exclaimed, “I’m sorry?”

The US President then brushed aside her remark saying, “No, go ahead.”

In a highly professional manner Vega continued with her question on the controversial nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the US Supreme Court.

Trump curtly cut off Vega’s question telling her that the focus of the conference will be on the announcement of the new trade deal between US, Mexico and Canada. It was only at the end of the media conference on the trade deal that Trump answered Vega’s question.

Following the conference, Vega posted a tweet stating that any question can be asked at press conferences but did not comment on Trump’s “You never do” remark.

A news conference means you get to ask whatever question you want to ask. #FirstAmendment

— Cecilia Vega (@CeciliaVega) October 1, 2018

But Social media users slammed Trump for his remark, calling it misogynistic and an example of Trump’s deplorable attitude towards the media.

Trump, to female reporter: “I know you’re not thinking. You never do.”

The misogyny is never ending with this guy. He has a visceral distrust of and hatred towards women who dare to question him. pic.twitter.com/gV7ejrmLDi

— John Iadarola (@johniadarola) October 1, 2018

TRUMP: “She’s in a state a shock.”

WOMAN REPORTER: “I’m not. Thank you, Mr. President.”

TRUMP: “That’s OK, I know you’re not thinking. You never do.”

And here I thought September was #BeAnAssholeToWomenMonth. But I forgot: Every month is now.pic.twitter.com/xiv54045Yt

— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) October 1, 2018

Trump Just Said to a Female Reporter:
‘I Know You’re Not Thinking, You Never Do’

ABC News’s Cecilia Vega @CeciliaVega deserves an apology.

I am ashamed of this President. pic.twitter.com/8KbXgP8vUU

— Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) October 1, 2018

Trump just told a female reporter that she’s “not thinking” and “never does.” His attacks on women, people of color, and people with disabilities are blatant—this president doesn’t care about the American people. He never has.

— Turnip (@Turnip2020) October 1, 2018

Trump putting down a female reporter while his cronies laugh behind him is maybe not the look you want right now – but they can’t help themselves. It’s who they are. https://t.co/biIRNlhzVp

— Pat Cunnane (@PatCunnane) October 1, 2018

The Daily Beast reported that the White House whitewashed the part “I know you’re not thinking” from the official transcript of the conferencereplacing it with ““I know you’re not thanking”.