During a live interaction, US President Donald Trump appeared to sidestep a question about the condition of Iranian civilians amid war by complimenting Fox News host Dana Perino, drawing reactions from panellists.
Perino had raised concerns about the lack of information coming out of Iran, asking whether civilians had access to basic necessities like drinking water and food. “I think it is alarming that we have not been able to see or hear from any of the Iranian people Do they have drinking water? Do they have food right now?” she said, noting internet shutdowns and broader concerns about the population.
Instead of directly answering, Trump responded by recalling a past meeting. “Do you remember when we had lunch years ago at Trump Tower? You have not changed. You may be even better looking,” he said, before adding that such remarks could now “end my political career,” as “you’re not allowed to say a woman’s beautiful anymore.”
The exchange prompted visible smiles and light laughter from panellists on the show.
Trump eventually returned to the topic but did not directly address Perino’s questions on food and water availability. He instead spoke about the risks faced by Iranians protesting their government. “They are petrified, because the one side has guns and what they do is they shoot you,” he said, adding that people are deterred from protesting due to fear of being killed.
The moment is consistent with Trump’s past interactions with members of the media. While he has complimented some journalists he views favourably, he has also targeted others over their appearance. He previously called Katie Rogers of The New York Times “ugly” and told Bloomberg’s Catherine Lucey to be “quiet,” using a derogatory remark during a separate exchange.
