The press cabin aboard Air Force One is usually a place of routine—questions, answers, and careful note-taking—but on November 14, an exchange between President Donald Trump and a reporter left both journalists and the public stunned.
What began as a straightforward question about Jeffrey Epstein quickly escalated into a remark widely criticized as insulting and disrespectful.
The Incident
According to reports, Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey asked Trump whether the House might release all files related to Epstein, which had been made public earlier that week.
When she pressed further, questioning why the President acted as he did if the files contained nothing incriminating, Trump reportedly pointed at her and said: “Quiet! Quiet, piggy!”
Journalists Respond
The comment drew immediate backlash from the media. CNN anchor Jake Tapper called it “disgusting and completely unacceptable,” while former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson described it as “disgusting and degrading.”
Bloomberg News emphasized the importance of the work performed by White House reporters:
“Our White House reporters perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor. We remain committed to reporting issues of public interest fairly and accurately.”
A Pattern of Remarks
This was not the first instance of Trump using pig-related insults toward women. In 2017, New York Times columnist Gail Collins reported that he said she had “the face of a pig.” Former Miss Universe Alicia Machado claimed he called her “Miss Piggy,” and he also referred to Rosie O’Donnell as a “pig.”
White House Response
On November 18, a White House official defended the President, suggesting the reporter had acted inappropriately:
“If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take it.”
Two days later, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the incident as part of Trump’s direct communication style:
“The president is frank and honest with everyone here. You’ve seen it. You’ve experienced it. That’s one reason the American people reelected him. He calls out fake news and addresses reporters openly, giving unprecedented access that previous administrations did not.”
Follow-Up Tensions
Days after the Air Force One incident, Trump had another tense interaction with a female reporter, ABC’s Mary Bruce, during a joint press conference with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Bruce asked about Epstein, prompting an emotional response. Trump criticized ABC for “embarrassing our guest,” called their reporting “fake” and “not credible,” and suggested the network’s license should be revoked. He told the reporter to “go back and learn how to be a reporter” and denied further questions.
Conclusion
The Air Force One incident highlights the ongoing friction between President Trump and the press. Critics viewed the remark as disrespectful and unprofessional, while the White House characterized it as frankness and transparency.
For journalists and the public alike, these exchanges underscore the challenges of covering a president whose relationship with the media remains confrontational and polarizing.