White House correspondent and Baltimore native April Ryan said public confrontations with President Donald Trump brought death threats, security concerns and emotional trauma. She described the personal cost of becoming the story during an appearance on “The Front Page Authority” podcast with host Armstrong Williams. Discussing her book, “Notes on a Blacklash: When a Black Woman Goes Viral,” Ryan said increased visibility created professional opportunities while exposing her to harassment she believes reflected racism and misogyny.

Ryan said threats prompted her to employ security and brought the FBI and a bomb squad to her home. She went into people watching her residence and the fear she experienced while trying to protect her children. Williams challenged her on whether criticism of her work necessarily reflected prejudice and whether her exchanges with Trump crossed into political advocacy. Ryan defended her questions about voter suppression and other public policy issues, saying her experiences had made her an advocate for press freedoms.

Ryan, a Morgan State University graduate who has covered five presidents, credited her Baltimore upbringing, parents, children and faith with helping her persevere. She also discussed social media’s tendency to reward performance over substance and urged journalists to explain complex issues clearly, collaborate and acknowledge mistakes. Reflecting on her career, Ryan said she wanted readers to understand the experiences behind her reporting. “I’m not a victim. I’m a victor,” she said.