Something wasn’t right from the start.
As Donald Trump stepped up to the podium, his body language said it all.
Eyes sharp, stance defensive—he looked less like a man delivering a policy update and more like someone preparing for battle. Whispers had been swirling on the Hill that morning about a set-up—reporters supposedly coached to corner him about his trillion-dollar tax proposal. But no one could have predicted the viral firestorm that would follow.
After a closed-door session with Republican lawmakers, Trump emerged to speak on his ambitious tax reform plan—a proposal that would significantly revise his own 2017 tax cuts. The centerpiece? Raising the deduction cap from $10,000 to $30,000 for individuals earning under $400,000 annually.
Things were moving along predictably—until one unfamiliar voice shifted the entire mood.
A reporter stood up and pressed Trump on comments made by Rep. Andy Harris, who chairs the House Freedom Caucus. Harris had reportedly criticized Trump’s lack of behind-the-scenes hustle to build support for the bill.
TRUMP: Who do you work for?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
REPORTER: NOTUS
TRUMP: I don’t even know what the hell that is. Get yourself a real job. pic.twitter.com/pzyw54LAB5
Trump began to respond, then abruptly paused.
“Wait—what outlet are you with?” he asked, eyes narrowing.
The reporter calmly replied, “NOTUS.”
Trump smirked.
“Who? Never heard of it. What the hell is that? Get yourself a real job.”
The room fell silent for a beat—and then it exploded. Not with noise, but with stunned expressions. The kind that said: Did that really just happen?
For the record, NOTUS stands for News of the United States—a relatively new nonprofit newsroom based in Washington, launched by the nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute. While small, it’s known for producing high-quality political coverage.
But Trump’s response lit up social media like wildfire.
“Another classic Trump slam,” one user posted.
“Imagine dismissing someone just for doing their job. Embarrassing,” wrote another.
And one fan chimed in: “That’s why we love him. No filters. No mercy.”
Of course, critics were quick to respond:
“Mocking independent press is not strength—it’s cowardice.”
“Trump’s cheap shots only highlight his fear of real questions.”
It’s far from the first time Trump has clashed with the media. Earlier this year, controversy swirled when the White House allegedly banned Associated Press reporters from key coverage areas—including Air Force One and the Oval Office—after the AP refused to adopt the administration’s push to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America in official documentation.
In Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s viral put-down of a NOTUS journalist wasn’t just another media moment—it was a stark reminder of his combative relationship with the press. For some, it was vintage Trump: blunt, biting, and unbothered. For others, it reflected a deeper hostility toward transparency and accountability. Whatever side you’re on, one thing’s clear—his words still have the power to dominate headlines, divide opinion, and ignite digital firestorms.
Pass it on—if you’re brave enough.
– The Unfiltered Report
Truth. Grit. No Apologies.