Trump Turns Women's History Month Event Into Personal Showcase

President highlights his political achievements, policy victories during White House gathering meant to honor women

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:35am

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Donald Trump used a White House event meant to mark Women's History Month as a platform to discuss his political accomplishments, including military action, farm tariffs, and international sports events, rather than focusing on celebrating women's empowerment and achievements.

Why it matters

The president's decision to divert the event's focus away from honoring women's history and contributions has drawn criticism, with some arguing it undermines the purpose of the celebration and reduces it to a personal political showcase.

The details

Instead of keeping the focus on female empowerment, Trump went off-script and started talking about military action in Iran, farming tariffs, and international sports. This sudden departure left attendees listening to a defense of his broader agenda. The president initially stuck to the theme by praising the women in his administration, but then quickly shifted to discussing his policy victories.

  • The event took place on March 13, 2026, during Women's History Month.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who hosted the Women's History Month event at the White House.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who was acknowledged by the president during the event.

Kaillie Humphries

A six-time Olympic medalist in bobsled, who surprised the president by awarding him the Order of Ikkos medal during the event.

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What they’re saying

“They are so powerful and so important and so beautiful.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (ibtimes.co.uk)

“I'm not allowed to use the word beautiful, but I'm using it anyway. Usually, it's the end of your political career. If you say a woman's a beautiful woman, they say that's the termination of his career.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (ibtimes.co.uk)

“The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly. It's doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (ibtimes.co.uk)

“They're benefiting from our one big beautiful bill. I say "Great Big Beautiful Bill" because I like it better... because that's what it is.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (ibtimes.co.uk)

“Every Olympic medalist in the United States gets an Order of Ikkos that they get to hand to somebody in honor of the person who helped them achieve their dreams. And I believe this actually makes you the first president in history to ever be awarded an order of Ikkos as well. So thank you.”

— Kaillie Humphries, Six-time Olympic medalist (ibtimes.co.uk)

The takeaway

The president's decision to turn a Women's History Month event into a platform for his own political achievements has drawn criticism, with some arguing it undermines the purpose of the celebration and reduces it to a personal showcase rather than honoring the contributions and empowerment of women.