Washington, D.C.: On Tuesday, a small group of journalists was allowed by the White House to witness the talks between US President Donald Trump and Ireland’s new Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar. Mr. Trump called Mr. Varadkar to congratulate him. However, soon, Trump singled out one female reporter and commented on her smile.
Video of the bizarre moment when President @realDonaldTrump called me over during his call with Taoiseach @campaignforLeo Varadkar. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/TMl2SFQaji
— Caitriona Perry (@CaitrionaPerry) June 27, 2017
Mr. Trump told to Mr. Varadkar, “We have a lot of your Irish press watching us right now, we have all of this Irish, beautiful Irish press here”. Then he singled out a female reporter, Caitriona Perry and asked, “Where are you from?” Asking to come forward, he said, “Come here, come here”. Then finally, President Trump told Mr. Varadkar, “She has a nice smile on her face so I bet she treats you well”.
After the incident, Caitriona Perry who is a Washington correspondent for Irish state broadcaster RTE posted the video on Twitter and termed it a “bizarre moment”.
Netizens started reacting after she posted the video of the incident.
Trump,"She has a nice smile on her face so I bet she treats you well."😳Ms.Perry, please accept the apology of at least 1 female American.😔
— Christine Canning (@Canni2Canning) June 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/JBWolfsthal/status/879875648482930693
Needless to say, male reporters are not told that they have a "nice smile" https://t.co/H8pH5CKZd7
— Brendan Nyhan (@BrendanNyhan on 🟦☁️) (@BrendanNyhan) June 28, 2017
It's hell to be objectified. When POTUS has no fear of doing that surrounded by cameras… I'm so sorry. Your success is more than a smile.
— Cristin Harber (@CristinHarber) June 28, 2017