7 Times Black Women Gracefully Clapped Back At Donald Trump

2. April Ryan

Source: Cindy Ord / Getty

April Ryan has been a veteran journalist for decades, so when she stepped into Trump’s press room, she wasn’t there to play. In 2018, she did what any professional in her field would do—she asked the tough questions. Instead of engaging, Trump dismissed her as “rude” and “nasty,” a clear attempt to sideline her legitimate concerns. For many of us watching, it felt all too familiar, i.e. the moment when simply doing your job as a Black woman is labeled as “aggressive.”

But, Ryan didn’t let Trump’s diversion tactics rattle her. She kept asking the hard questions, reminding him that she wasn’t there to seek his approval.

Speaking on the exchange to press, Trump would also call Ryan a loser—while also berating CNN journalist Abby Phillip. Addressing these comments, Ryan shared, “I also think about me being a loser today, but last year in January, was I a loser when he asked me to get together the Congressional Black Caucus with him for a meeting? He thought I had enough gravitas then and enough seriousness for me to do that.” Mic drop.