President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of criticisms against The New York Times early Wednesday morning, targeting the newspaper’s reporting on a recent C-SPAN phone call and a sexual harassment scandal linked to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
In a series of posts on Truth Social around 1:25 a.m., Trump vehemently disputed the Times’ characterization of his unexpected call during the premiere of C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal Primetime.” He insisted the call was prearranged.
“The New York Times incorrectly reported that ‘Mr. Trump called into the premier of a C-Span show, APPARENTLY WITHOUT NOTICE.’ This is WRONG,” Trump wrote. “It was a fully scheduled call, as a favor to C-Span, set up through White House Communications.”
His criticism came shortly after CNBC also described the call as unannounced, with host Mimi Geerges introducing Trump by saying, “It looks like we’ve got a call from the White House.”
Just 22 minutes later, Trump shifted his focus to a scandal involving his former personal attorney, Alina Habba, who was implicated in a separate incident at his Bedminster club.
“The failing New York Times wrote about the ‘settling of a sexual harassment suit brought years ago by a waitress at President Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, N.J.’ What they fail to say is that it did not involve President Trump, a rather important omission. FAKE NEWS!!!” he posted, intensifying his attacks on the media.
Habba is currently under scrutiny from New Jersey’s Office of Attorney Ethics, facing a 23-page disciplinary complaint regarding her handling of a 2021 sexual harassment case.
The complaint stems from accusations made by Alice Bianco, who alleged that she was sexually harassed by a supervisor at the golf club. It was reported that Habba facilitated a settlement of $15,000, which included a non-disclosure agreement.
Critics have accused Habba of “divided loyalties,” indicating a conflict of interest as she was a member of the club while representing Trump.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, it’s important to note that Trump was not named in Bianco’s lawsuit, nor did The New York Times suggest he had engaged in any wrongdoing related to the settlement.
Since early 2024, state regulators have quietly investigated Habba’s dealings, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges facing Trump and his associates.
This latest social media outburst is part of a series of late-night tirades from Trump, prompting observers to question his mental state as he grapples with a landscape of controversies, including his comments about the integrity of election results.
In the wake of these developments, political analysts are scrutinizing how Trump’s campaigns and legal battles may influence his support within the Republican Party, as he continues to be a dominant figure.
The New York Times has long been a target of Trump’s ire, often accused of bias against him throughout his presidency. His calls for a more favorable media portrayal resonate deeply with his base, who frequently share his disdain for the mainstream press.
As the 2026 election cycle heats up, these media conflicts and personal scandals could play significant roles in shaping the narrative surrounding Trump, for both his supporters and detractors.
Notably, Trump’s aggressive defense of his reputation amid tumultuous political waters illustrates his ongoing strategy of combative rhetoric, aimed at rallying his followers and deflecting attention from legal troubles.
Looking forward, observers will be keenly watching how these revelations and Trump’s responses affect his standing within the party and his potential candidacy for the next presidential election.
As controversies unfold and media reports continue to challenge his image, the coming days will be pivotal in determining how Trump navigates this latest storm.
