Donald Trump’s tense relationship with the press escalated again on November 14, when he snapped at Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey aboard Air Force One. She had asked about emails linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump cut her off mid-question with a sharp, “Be quiet, piggy.” The remark was caught on camera and quickly went viral across social media.
The confrontation occurred amid renewed scrutiny over Epstein-related documents, in which Trump’s name appeared alongside others, including Bill Clinton. While Trump insisted he knew “nothing” about the emails, his outburst at Lucey drew widespread criticism for its tone, gendered language, and public setting.
The White House responded by blaming the reporter, calling her “unprofessional,” a tactic consistent with how Trump has handled press conflicts in the past. Critics noted that such behavior undermines trust in journalism and targets reporters rather than the questions they ask.
The incident was part of a broader pattern: over the same weekend, Trump had lashed out at other journalists, criticizing ABC over its coverage of Jamal Khashoggi and belittling a reporter in a hallway exchange. Supporters defended his blunt style as expected, while opponents argued it reflects a troubling dynamic between the president and the press.
Ultimately, the “piggy” remark became a viral moment that reinforced existing debates about Trump’s accountability, media relations, and the increasingly hostile tone of political discourse.