Trump calls Stormy Daniels ‘Horseface’ in gloating Twitter post

President Donald Trump on Tuesday referred to the pornographic film actress Stephanie Clifford as “Horseface” in a Twitter post, as he gloated about a recent court ruling in his favour.

He wrote: “"Federal Judge throws out Stormy Danials lawsuit versus Trump. Trump is entitled to full legal fees.” @FoxNews Great, now I can go after Horseface and her 3rd rate lawyer in the Great State of Texas. She will confirm the letter she signed! She knows nothing about me, a total con!”

 

In his tweet, Trump was referring to a federal judge’s decision to dismiss a defamation suit filed by Clifford, who is known professionally as Stormy Daniels. The judge also ordered Clifford to pay the president’s related legal fees.

FILE PHOTO: A combination photo shows Adult film actress Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels speaking in New York City, and US President Donald Trump speaking in Washington, Michigan, US on April 16, 2018 and April 28, 2018 respectively. Reuters

The president’s use of the term “horseface” was jarring, even though he has previously used similar disparaging language to describe women who challenge him. But it could also prove problematic for Republicans facing female opponents in the upcoming midterm elections, now just weeks away.

Clifford’s attorney, Michael Avenatti, fired back on Twitter, calling the president a “disgusting misogynist and an embarrassment to the United States.”

Avenatti wrote: “You are a disgusting misogynist and an embarrassment to the United States. Bring everything you have, because we are going to demonstrate to the world what a complete shyster and liar you are. How many other women did you cheat on your wife with while you had a baby at home?”

Clifford had claimed that the president defamed her last spring and attacked her credibility.

The defamation suit is separate from Clifford’s efforts to nullify a nondisclosure agreement that she signed days before the 2016 election, when she accepted a $130,000 payment and agreed to keep quiet about the affair she said she had with Trump in 2006.

©2018 New York Times News Service