Quick Read
- CBS News’ Nancy Cordes was insulted by President Trump during a Thanksgiving press conference after she asked about the vetting of an Afghan refugee accused in a deadly shooting.
- Trump called Cordes a “stupid person,” continuing a pattern of derogatory remarks toward female reporters.
- Cordes cited official reports confirming thorough vetting of the suspect, challenging Trump’s claims.
- The White House defended Trump’s bluntness as “respectful,” while journalists’ organizations condemned the attacks.
- Cordes and other female reporters have faced repeated personal insults from Trump in recent weeks.
Nancy Cordes and the Thanksgiving Pressroom Showdown
On Thanksgiving Day 2025, what began as a routine press conference at Mar-a-Lago quickly turned into a national spectacle. Nancy Cordes, CBS News’ chief White House correspondent, found herself in the eye of a media storm after President Donald Trump responded to her probing question with a pointed insult: “Are you a stupid person?” The exchange was not an isolated outburst, but rather the latest in a series of heated interactions between Trump and the female journalists covering his presidency.
The Incident: Facts and Context
The immediate catalyst for the confrontation was a question about the vetting of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Lakanwal, who had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, entered the U.S. as part of the Biden administration’s “Operation Allies Welcome” program in 2021. The attack left Specialist Sarah Beckstrom dead and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe seriously wounded, sending shockwaves through the nation.
At the press conference, Cordes cited official reports that Lakanwal had been thoroughly vetted by both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, referencing findings from the Justice Department’s inspector general. She pressed Trump: “Your DOJ IG just reported this year that there was thorough vetting by DHS and by the FBI of these Afghans who were brought into the U.S., so why do you blame the Biden administration?”
Trump’s response was sharp and dismissive: “Because they let ’em in. Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person?” He further asserted that the influx of Afghan refugees had been unvetted and that many “shouldn’t be here,” repeating claims that clashed with official government statements (Reuters).
A Pattern of Hostility Toward Female Journalists
Nancy Cordes’ exchange with Trump did not occur in isolation. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Trump had lashed out at several other female reporters. On November 26, he called New York Times correspondent Katie Rogers “ugly, both inside and out” after she reported on the president’s age and physical stamina. Bloomberg’s Catherine Lucey was labeled “piggy” and told to “quiet” after asking about the Epstein emails. ABC News’ Mary Bruce was branded a “terrible person and a terrible reporter” for questioning Trump about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s alleged involvement in Jamal Khashoggi’s murder (TheWrap).
This pattern has drawn criticism from journalists’ organizations and media outlets. The Society of Professional Journalists condemned Trump’s remarks, describing them as “part of an unmistakable pattern of hostility — often directed at women — that undermines the essential role of a free and independent press.” The New York Times and Bloomberg both issued statements defending their reporters and reaffirming the importance of fearless, independent journalism.
The White House Response
Despite widespread backlash, the White House stood by Trump’s conduct. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued that the president’s bluntness with the press was more “respectful” than avoiding questions or resorting to backroom criticisms. “I think everyone in this room should appreciate the frankness and the openness that you get from President Trump on a near daily basis,” she asserted. A spokesperson added that Trump’s transparency was one reason for his reelection, and that his comments were about mistrust of the media rather than gender bias.
This defense did little to quell concerns about the climate for journalists, especially women, working in the White House press corps. Critics noted that such public rebukes can have a chilling effect, discouraging tough questions and undermining the media’s watchdog role.
The Role and Resilience of Nancy Cordes
Nancy Cordes, a veteran journalist, has covered the White House through turbulent times. Her calm persistence in the face of public disparagement is emblematic of the professionalism required in political reporting today. Cordes’ exchange with Trump highlighted the tension between public officials and the press, and the unique challenges faced by women in high-profile journalistic roles.
In the aftermath, Cordes did not issue a public statement, but her reporting continued undeterred. CBS News did not comment on the incident, though many colleagues and rival networks expressed solidarity. For many viewers, Cordes’ willingness to challenge the president on facts represented the core mission of journalism: holding power to account, even when the cost is personal.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
The Thanksgiving outburst reignited a national conversation about the treatment of journalists in the United States. While presidents have often had contentious relationships with the media, Trump’s repeated personal attacks on female correspondents marked a shift in tone. Media advocates worry that such rhetoric may embolden others to dismiss or disparage journalists, further eroding public trust in the press.
Meanwhile, the facts of the case—about the vetting of Afghan refugees, the tragic shooting, and the administration’s responses—remained in the spotlight. Cordes’ questioning was rooted in public interest and accountability, underscoring the press’s crucial role in scrutinizing the actions and statements of those in power.
Conclusion: The Pressroom as a Battleground
The confrontation between Nancy Cordes and President Trump on Thanksgiving 2025 is more than a viral moment; it is a microcosm of the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the dynamics of gender and power in American political journalism. For Cordes and her peers, the risks of asking tough questions are real—but so are the rewards. Their work ensures that the public remains informed, even when the answers are uncomfortable.
In a year marked by heightened political tension and scrutiny, the treatment of Nancy Cordes serves as a stark reminder of the fragile line between transparency and intimidation in the pressroom. The incident challenges both journalists and officials to rise above personal attacks and recommit to the principle that facts—not insults—should shape public discourse.