The White House is facing renewed scrutiny after President Donald Trump told a reporter, “Quiet, piggy,” during a tense exchange aboard Air Force One. The comment came after Bloomberg correspondent Catherine Lucey pressed him about the Jeffrey Epstein files and why he was reacting defensively if there was “nothing incriminating” in them.
The remark sparked immediate backlash from journalists across the political spectrum. CNN’s Jake Tapper called the insult “disgusting and completely unacceptable,” while former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson condemned it as “degrading.” Bloomberg also defended Lucey, emphasizing that their reporters “ask questions without fear or favor.”
The controversy deepened as critics noted Trump’s long history of using similar insults toward women. Past targets include columnist Gail Collins, former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, and television personality Rosie O’Donnell. For many, the latest remark felt like part of a broader pattern.
The White House, however, quickly shifted into defense mode. An official claimed Lucey behaved “in an unprofessional way” and argued that reporters should expect blunt responses. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later echoed that message, saying Trump’s directness is part of why “the American people reelected him.”
She insisted the president is transparent, accessible, and unafraid to confront the media “face-to-face.” Leavitt suggested that his candor is more respectful than leaders who avoid tough questions or speak behind reporters’ backs.
Just days later, tensions rose again when Trump clashed with ABC’s Mary Bruce during a press event with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After she brought up Epstein, Trump accused ABC of spreading “fake news” and called the network “radical left,” ending the exchange by refusing to take more questions from her.