Trump 'can't stomach strong black woman', Susan Rice says in support of rebuked journalist
Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice hit out at Donald Trump for his recent confrontation with a black female reporter during a White House task force briefing.
Ms Rice suggested that the confrontation arose from President Trump’s inability to tolerate strong black women.
Yamiche Alcindor, a political correspondent for PBS, was interrupted by the president while questioning him about his claims that state governors were requesting supplies they didn’t need amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
He told the reporter to “be nice, don’t be threatening” during the heated exchange and repeatedly shut down her attempts to ask the question.
Taking to Twitter in support of Ms Alcindor, Susan Rice suggested the president simply couldn’t stomach strong black women.
“You go, girl,” Rice tweeted at Ms Alcindor. “Pathetic when insecure men can’t stomach strong black women,” she wrote.
Thousands of other people took to Twitter to praise White House reporter after Mr Trump rebuffed her for asking the question, using the hastag #WeLoveYamiche.
“You’ve said repeatedly New York might not need 30,000 [ventilators], you said it on Sean Hannity’s Fox News”, asked Ms Alcindor during the interaction.
You go, girl. Pathetic when insecure men can’t stomach strong black women. https://t.co/ExjC9z5p1J
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice)
The president repeatedly struck down the journalist’s attempts to finish her line of questioning, stating “No, I didn’t say that” and “excuse me you didn’t hear me.”
“Why don’t you people — why don’t you act in a little more positive,” Mr Trump said.
He added: “It’s always trying to get you, and you know what, that’s why people don’t trust the media anymore.”
Some of those criticising the president on social media are citing misogyny and racism against the reporter.
Mr Trump did not explicitly reference race during the exchange.
Some have noted the president has often been known to hit out at a variety of reporters frequently during conferences regardless of race.
Ms Alcindor later spoke about the incident on Twitter amid the social media backlash.
“I’m not the first human being, woman, black person or journalist to be told that while doing a job,” she wrote.
“My take: Be steady. Stay focused. Remember your purpose. And, always press forward.”
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