When Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey asked President Trump a question on Air Force One this past fall, she didn’t get an answer. Instead, she was told “Quiet. Quiet, Piggy.”

The moment went viral almost immediately. What ended up getting lost in the chaos was an answer to her question about the Epstein files, an issue that many Americans, on both sides of the political aisle, wanted clarity on. Lucey was just doing her job, but somehow she herself became the story instead of the issue she was trying to cover.

For high school students, especially girls who dream of becoming journalists, situations like this can feel discouraging. Additionally, these situations normalize behavior we should not tolerate.

Unfortunately, according to Axios, President Trump’s mistreatment of female journalists is not just a one-time thing. He has escalated his attacks, calling female reporters “stupid” and “ugly,” ” which the Society of Professional Journalists labels as “an unmistakable pattern of hostility.” When the country’s highest-ranking public official acts this way toward female journalists, it sends a signal that disrespecting women is normal behavior.

In December Trump went after CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins on Truth Social, calling her “stupid and nasty” (and even misspelled her name.) Collins did not respond with insults. Instead, she simply clarified that she had asked him a direct question about Venezuela. Her reply was very different from President Trump’s personal attack and showed how women reporters often need to stay calm even when they are being attacked.

Messages Sent to Future Generations

Moments like these raise bigger questions about the type of environment a young woman may be stepping into when she chooses to study journalism. These comments do not just sting: they affect how the public sees the press and how young women picture themselves doing the job. This kind of treatment does not just affect high-profile journalists at major media outlets; it also sends a message to young women who are just starting out in the field. 

Studies show this effect starts long before women reach the floor of the White House briefing room. Young female journalists often face gendered harassment or feel pressure to leave the field entirely. A UNESCO global report found that nearly three out of four women journalists have experienced online harassment while doing their jobs and that younger reporters are especially vulnerable because they depend on social media for career-building. 

Another study from the Center for Media Engagement found that many early-career women said harassment made them question whether they wanted to stay in journalism at all. Some even avoided certain stories out of fear of being targeted.

For teenage girls watching these moments unfold, journalism can begin to seem more intimidating than inspiring.

Beyond the Media

The way powerful men speak to female journalists sends a signal to viewers that this is an appropriate way to speak to women.

“When a president publicly humiliates a reporter for doing her job, others in the room internalize the cost,” said Kiran Nazish, founding director of the Coalition for Women in Journalism.

In other words, every insult sends the message to women that asking tough questions comes with consequences. 

The consequences are not only verbal, however. In a panel discussion hosted by Ms. Magazine, multiple women journalists described facing physical threats in addition to online harassment. 

“There is an open hostility to journalists… you need to be aware of the risks,”  Los Angeles reporter Cerise Castle said.

Castle has experienced intimidation and even physical force at political events. These experiences go far beyond what should be considered a normal amount of stress for a reporter.

The statistics about the abuse and harassment of female journalists are also shocking. Even though the United States is known as a country that celebrates free speech, it has more violations against female journalists than countries such as Iran. Of note, the US does have more female journalists than Iran.

For students looking up to female journalists, it is not hard to understand how these moments can change the way young people see the profession. Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson said that publicly insulting women journalists creates “generational damage” because it teaches young men that disrespect toward women is acceptable and teaches girls that they will be devalued even when they succeed.

Silence Sends a Message

The recent news events are shocking not just because of what was said, but also because of the lacking response. Fatima Goss Graves, president of the National Women’s Law Center, pointed out that what shocked many people about the “piggy” remark was not just that Trump said it; it was the fact that everyone else in the room kept going as if nothing had happened. 

When silence becomes normal, sexism becomes normal too.

And yet, despite all of this, women journalists continue to show impressive resilience. Kristen Welker, a White House correspondent for NBC News, told The Everygirl that the job can feel like “an old boys’ club,” but she has learned to be more confident and outspoken. 

“If you work hard, you will achieve all of your goals,” she said. 

That message may be just what young female journalists need now.

Turning Attacks into Motivation

Even Castle, who has faced some of the harshest conditions, told Ms. Magazine, “There will always be journalists to stand up and fight.” The fact she faced harsh insults for simply doing her job but still reminded interviewers that she is doing the hard work others will not do highlights the bravery female journalists have..   

LFHS has played a role in inspiring many former The Forest Scout writers to pursue journalism, which is definitely needed. These students, despite knowing the reality of the profession, are still willing to pursue it. 

LFHS ‘23 alumna Vivi Hirschfield, majoring in journalism at University of Missouri, is optimistic.

“I have noticed an overwhelming presence of other female students in my journalism courses, and there are a number of on-campus organizations for women in media and journalism,” said Hirschfield.

The persistence of female journalists shows why their work is still worth doing. Even when they are faced with harassment or insults, these women continue to ask questions and work. This kind of resilience holds even the most powerful people accountable and makes sure those watching know that women should not be silenced and that talking down to them should not be allowed.