Trump Sparks Outrage After Calling Reporter ‘Piggy’ During Air Force One Exchange

Former President Donald Trump is under fire from journalists, commentators, and politicians for calling a White House correspondent “piggy” on Air Force One.

Last Friday, a female reporter asked Trump about Jeffrey Epstein’s emails on a flight to Palm Beach. Epstein’s emails said Trump “knew about the girls,” citing House Oversight Committee Democrats’ messages. Reporter asked his meaning. Trump may have known about Epstein’s misconduct from his 2011–2019 emails to Ghislaine Maxwell and Michael Wolff.

Trump strongly denied knowing about the situation. He questioned Epstein’s ties to Clinton and Summers and said such information would have been released long ago. He claimed years of animosity with Epstein.

After the reporter followed up, the conversation heated up. Trump abruptly said, “Quiet! Silent, piggy.” The remark was immediately criticized as despicable and misogynistic.

CNN anchor Jake Tapper called it “disgusting and completely unacceptable,” while former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson called it “disgusting and degrading,” citing her own harassment. Liberal commentators criticized the press’s slow response to the remark by political strategist Rick Wilson of The Lincoln Project.

The president’s behavior was criticized by media outlets as an attack on reporters and journalism. A political podcast co-host called the comment professional misogyny and dismissal.

A White House official said the reporter mistreated flight colleagues and Trump critics should expect scrutiny.

Trump shouted at a reporter during an Oval Office press conference with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. When asked why he hadn’t released Epstein-related documents through Congress, Trump called the reporter a “terrible person and a terrible reporter,” sparking debates about his relationship with journalists and handling sensitive information.

This latest incident is one of many contentious political-media relations. After Epstein’s network and influence investigations, public reaction suggests that such remarks, especially those directed at female reporters, will remain a national topic.

Sources:

• CNN

• MSNBC

• House Oversight Committee Public Records

• Statements from Air Force One Press Pool

• Social media commentary from political analysts and journalists