Donald Trump just called Katie Britt ‘fantastically attractive’ and I’m a squirmy mix of ‘ew’ and ‘why did she have to explain IVF to him?

In a recent Fox News town hall, Donald Trump once again missed an opportunity to provide clear answers on policy issues impacting women, particularly on complex reproductive topics like IVF, instead giving a tone-deaf and cringe-worthy response that focused more on Senator Katie Britt’s appearance than the issues at hand. When asked about the implications of recent rulings equating fertilized embryos with legal personhood—a critical concern for reproductive rights—Trump derailed into personal anecdotes and shallow praise for Britt’s “fantastically attractive” appearance, a comment that drew both immediate backlash and frustration from viewers.

Trump’s lack of awareness about IVF and its stakes—especially considering its role in the ongoing reproductive rights debate—was also concerning. His apparent need for Britt to give a “two-minute crash course” on the basics of IVF highlighted a lack of preparation on a topic his platform has long influenced.

Following the event, Trump’s campaign attempted to downplay the backlash, emphasizing his popularity among women and even describing him as “the father of IVF.” Despite this, the incident underscores the disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric and the concerns of many voters, particularly regarding reproductive health issues that continue to shape the political landscape.