Trump snaps at female reporter in furious outburst: “Be quiet, piggy” (Page 1 ) | November 24, 2025

Donald Trump’s confrontational relationship with the press has once again taken center stage, as his behavior toward journalists drew sharp criticism this week.

“Quiet! Quiet, piggy!”

Just days before reversing his position on the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, President Trump erupted in a tense exchange with a female Bloomberg reporter, an incident that many critics are calling one of his most extreme attacks on the press in recent months.

The confrontation took place on Air Force One on November 14, according to the BBC, while Trump faced questions regarding recently disclosed emails linked to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019.

Trump downplayed the reporter’s inquiry, asserting that he knew nothing about the emails and insisting attention should be directed toward other figures mentioned in the correspondence, including former President Bill Clinton.

When Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey attempted a follow-up question, Trump abruptly addressed her, saying:

“Quiet! Quiet, piggy.”

The exchange quickly drew widespread attention, highlighting the president’s ongoing hostility toward the press and reigniting debates about decorum, accountability, and the treatment of journalists covering high-profile figures.

The brief exchange was captured on camera and quickly went viral, igniting widespread outrage online. Footage shows Trump leaning in, pointing his finger, and delivering the remark with a sharp, unusual tone, interrupting the reporter mid-question.

The reporter had begun asking: “If there’s nothing incriminating in the files, sir, why not…” before Trump cut her off with his now-infamous comment.

Online reactions

Trump’s remark comes amid growing pressure for the Justice Department to release all records related to Jeffrey Epstein. Over the weekend, the president reversed his stance, urging Republicans to support a bill demanding the files’ release.

Social media response was immediate and fierce. One Twitter/X user wrote: “This is the president of the United States, who himself is overweight, calling another person piggy,” pairing the post with an image of the Muppet Miss Piggy. Another user commented: “Just imagine ANY OTHER President saying that to a female journalist in a gaggle.”

Reddit users also weighed in, often with biting humor. One suggested: “Female reporters should from here on out start addressing him as Mr. Fat F*,” while another criticized the press corps:

“The fact that the whole White House Press Corps just silently sits by and lets Trump do this to their colleagues is one of the most spineless things happening in Washington today.”

On Tuesday, MSNBC senior White House correspondent Vaughn Hillyard reported on X that White House officials had addressed the backlash. According to Hillyard, the administration sought to defend Trump’s behavior by shifting blame to the reporter, claiming:

“This reporter behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane. If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take it.”

What the reporter allegedly did to her colleagues remains unclear. Critics note that this type of deflection aligns with the Trump team’s longstanding approach to press controversies and reflects the president’s history of hostility toward journalists.

A pattern of confrontations

This incident is not Trump’s first public clash with the press. Over the weekend, he dismissed a journalist who interrupted an impromptu briefing with a terse rebuke: “You are the worst. I don’t know why they even have you.”

Earlier in the week, Trump criticized ABC correspondent Mary Bruce for raising the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. He suggested that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr consider taking action against ABC, stating:

“I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake and it’s so wrong.”

The latest episode has reignited concerns about Trump’s engagement with journalists, drawing criticism for his choice of words and his targeting of a female reporter in particular.