The word Irish journalist Caitriona Perry used to characterize her recent interaction with President Donald Trump in the Oval office was "bizarre."
But for many of those who witnessed it, the president's behavior—in which he singled Perry out from a group of reporters on Tuesday by calling her "beautiful" with a "nice smile" and summoning her over to him as he spoke on the phone with Ireland's newly-elected Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar—was not just strange, but "disgusting." Robert Mackey, writing for The Intercept, described it as a "textbook example of workplace harassment."
Video of the bizarre moment when President @realDonaldTrump called me over during his call with Taoiseach @campaignforLeo Varadkar. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/TMl2SFQaji
— Caitriona Perry (@CaitrionaPerry) June 27, 2017
The reaction online, especially among women who recognized the terrible situation Perry was placed in by the president, was widespread condemnation:
Disgusting behavior @realDonaldTrump. Women are NOT simply objects for your viewing pleasure. My blood is boiling. https://t.co/28GDOrwHq7
— Vara Lyons (@vglyons) June 28, 2017
This is absolutely disgusting. It's clear what he's doing in this video. He's objectifying this reporter and... https://t.co/7grmjsIk8S
— Wall Democrats (@walldems) June 28, 2017
A professional journalist is told by Trump "she has a nice smile on her face." How long are women supposed to put up with this crap? https://t.co/Cmhwvw6kkM
— Amy Beveridge (@AmyRBeveridge) June 28, 2017
Trump hits on Irish reporter.Sexual Harassment in Work place or anywhere is unacceptable.DT needs to be charged with such!
— sharon altman (@ccs4916) June 28, 2017
