President Donald Trump has a controversial history of making remarks about women, whether they are public figures, employees, journalists, or even family members. As International Women’s Day approaches, we delve into some of Trump’s notable comments about women over the years, sourced from interviews, social media posts, and witness testimonies.
A recurring theme in the President’s commentary on women is his tendency to link their physical appearance with their societal value. For instance, in 2012, he criticized Arianna Huffington, the founder of HuffPost, calling her “unattractive both inside and out” and insinuating reasons for her divorce. Two years later, he emphasized the importance of a woman’s appearance in relation to her professional success, stating that looks matter significantly.
In 2025, Trump directed similar derogatory comments towards journalists, specifically targeting individuals like Katie Rogers from The New York Times. Additionally, his past interactions with women who worked with him before his presidency have drawn criticism. Former Trump Organization executive Barbara Res recalled Trump’s emphasis on the physical appearance of women working for him, noting that he wanted them to be perceived as beautiful.
Trump’s behavior extended to personal critiques, as seen when he reportedly commented on Res’s weight gain by saying, “You like your candy.” Moreover, his statements about his access to changing rooms at beauty pageants he owned and his boastful accounts of romantic encounters have faced scrutiny, particularly the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood recording where he made explicit remarks about women.
While many view Trump’s remarks as misogynistic, most do not constitute criminal offenses. However, several women have accused the President of inappropriate behavior over the years. Ivana Trump, his ex-wife, referred to an incident during their marriage as “rape,” although she later clarified her statement. Jessica Leeds, a former stockbroker, publicly accused Trump of sexual assault dating back to 1979, which he denied.
Trump’s attitude towards women has been a subject of controversy, with some women coming forward with formal allegations against him. Despite this, Trump has claimed to be a “protector” of women, emphasizing his role in safeguarding their interests. However, his past remarks and actions continue to fuel debates surrounding his treatment of women.
