Trump Offers Unscripted Tribute to Gloria Steinem Following Death at 92

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered an impromptu and at times emotional response Thursday after learning of the death of Gloria Steinem, the journalist and feminist activist whose work helped shape the modern women’s movement. Steinem died Wednesday at her New York City home at age 92, according to a statement from her foundation.

Speaking briefly with reporters before an afternoon event, Trump said he had learned of Steinem’s death shortly beforehand and recalled her as a prominent public figure whose influence was felt across several decades.

“Gloria Steinem — very well known, very strong person,” Trump said. “We didn’t agree on much, probably not on anything, but she had a tremendous impact.”

The president then departed from prepared remarks, commenting on Steinem’s her early career as a journalist.

“She was a real looker back in the day, easily a 7 or 8,” Trump said. “And classy, too — the sort of woman who would greet you with a martini at the door when you came home from work, and kept dinner warm if you were late.”

The remarks drew a muted reaction from some attendees before the president’s staff moved to end the exchange. The White House did not immediately provide a transcript or say whether Trump planned to issue a formal statement.

Steinem was a writer, lecturer, organizer and co-founder of Ms. magazine who became one of the country’s most recognizable advocates for women’s equality. Over more than five decades, she campaigned on issues including workplace equality, reproductive rights and political representation. Her foundation said she died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. No cause of death was disclosed.

“She changed a lot of things,” Trump said. “People listened to her.”

Steinem’s death prompted tributes from journalists, activists and elected officials, many emphasizing her role in expanding the national conversation about women’s rights and gender equality.