Trump rips Haberman, says she’ll ‘pay the price’ over health reporting

July 11, 2026 - 23:15

President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman on Tuesday, accusing her of spreading false claims about his physical and cognitive health. The outburst came after Haberman appeared on MSNBC, where she raised questions about Trump's fitness for office.

In a series of posts on his social media platform, Trump called Haberman a "third-rate reporter" and warned that she would "pay the price" for her reporting. He did not specify what consequences he had in mind, but the language echoed his long-standing pattern of threatening journalists who publish critical coverage.

Haberman, who has covered Trump for years and authored a book about his presidency, said during the television appearance that sources close to the former president had expressed concerns about his energy levels and mental sharpness. She did not cite any specific medical evidence but described a pattern of behavior that she said raised questions.

Trump denied the claims, insisting he is in excellent health and accusing Haberman of making up stories to sell books. He also took aim at the network itself, calling it "fake news" and suggesting that its coverage is driven by a political agenda.

The exchange is the latest in a long-running feud between Trump and the media. During his time in office, he frequently attacked reporters and news organizations, often using the same language of retribution. His comments Tuesday drew criticism from press freedom advocates, who said they could encourage harassment of journalists.

Haberman did not immediately respond to the president's remarks. The New York Times declined to comment on the matter.