National Association of Black Journalists rips into Trump for treatment of black women reporters

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) released a statement Friday saying it was “appalled” by President Trump’s “continued disrespect” of African-American women journalists.

Headlined “NABJ appalled by President Trump’s continued disrespect of African-American women journalists and journalists in general,” the statement called out the president over his recent comments to several female journalists.

The organization specifically referred to an incident on Friday when the president called a question from CNN White House reporter Abby Phillip “stupid.”

Phillip, a member of the NABJ, asked if Trump was hoping that Matthew Whitaker, the acting attorney general appointed on Wednesday and a past critic of Robert Mueller‘s special counsel investigation, would “rein in” the Russia probe.{mosads}

The NABJ also slammed the President for “dismissive” comments made against journalists April Ryan, who works for American Urban Radio Networks, and Yamiche Alcindor, who is part of “PBS Newshour.”

“The most powerful man in the free world is verbally abusing journalists,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover in the statement.

“The past two years have been filled with assaults on the media and Donald Trump’s comments this week have reached an all-time low with attacks on three black female journalists. His dismissive comments toward journalists April Ryan, Abby Phillip and Yamiche Alcindor are appalling, irresponsible, and should be denounced.”

Trump went after Ryan Friday as a “loser” who “doesn’t know what the hell she is doing.”

Meanwhile, during a press conference Wednesday, Trump accused Alcindor of asking “a racist question” when she asked about his comment calling himself a “nationalist.”

The NABJ concluded their statement by urging Trump to stop his “verbal assault on black women journalists and all journalists, and to provide truthful answers instead of insults.” 

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment from The Hill.