A former White House reporter, Brian J. Karem, has shared a vivid recollection of a tense encounter with Donald Trump during his presidency. In a recently published essay titled “Trump Still Sounds Like a Child,” Karem describes a moment when Trump demanded he “shut up” during a press conference, leading Karem to believe the former president might have a coronary. The exchange underscores the often combative nature of Trump’s interactions with the media.
Karem’s narrative centers around his experiences as a reporter, particularly during the lead-up to the 2020 election. He famously questioned Trump about his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power should he lose. In his essay, Karem reflects on the broader implications of Trump’s behavior, noting that the former president not only treated reporters poorly but often displayed disrespect towards women in particular.
“He usually talks down to women, dismisses them and belittles them,” Karem wrote. He added that Trump’s comments sometimes made those present uncomfortable, stating, “Sometimes he admires their physical attributes in such a fashion as to make the rest of us in the room uncomfortable.” Karem’s critique went beyond gender, labeling Trump as a misanthrope who “loathes everyone—unless there’s something in it for him.”
The former reporter recounted that Trump did not have a favorable view of him. Karem noted a particular incident when a staff member inquired about the location of the “Playboy After Party” following the White House Correspondents Dinner. Although there was anticipation surrounding Trump’s attendance, he never showed up. Karem characterized their interactions as contentious, with Trump frequently yelling at him or instructing him to sit down.
Despite the hostility, Karem continued to ask questions that often provoked strong reactions from Trump. He described moments when Trump appeared visibly flustered, with his face reddening and his temper rising. “His face occasionally got red,” Karem noted, “he stammered. He pointed his finger.” In one notable incident, Trump threatened to leave his own press conference if Karem did not stop speaking. Karem stood his ground, and Trump ultimately remained.
Reflecting on his career, Karem stated, “I have asked questions of every president since Ronald Reagan. I have been told to be quiet on more than one occasion. I’ve been told I shouldn’t be allowed into a press briefing. But before Tuesday, I had never made anyone threaten to leave his own news briefing. Donald Trump did that.”
Karem’s essay serves as a reminder of the often fraught relationship between the media and political figures, particularly during Trump’s presidency. His experiences highlight the challenges reporters face in maintaining their integrity while navigating the pressures of covering high-profile figures. The full essay can be found through various media outlets, where Karem continues to discuss the implications of such encounters in a democratic society.
