The White House has come to the defense of President Donald Trump following a controversial exchange with a reporter aboard Air Force One. Last week, during a flight, Trump expressed frustration over inquiries related to Jeffrey Epstein and responded to the reporter by saying, “Quiet, piggy!” The incident, captured on video and subsequently released by the White House, quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
In response to the backlash, a White House official described the reporter’s questioning as “inappropriate and unprofessional.” The official suggested that journalists should be prepared for pushback if they engage in aggressive questioning. “If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take,” the official remarked.
Trump’s contentious relationship with the press has been evident in recent weeks, particularly as new details emerge about Epstein. On November 18, 2025, Trump rebuked an ABC News reporter for pressing him on the implications of Epstein’s emails that mentioned the President. During that exchange, Trump admonished the reporter and criticized the network’s coverage, stating, “I think the license should be taken away from ABC, because your news is so fake and it’s so wrong.”
The tension escalated when the reporter attempted to question visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump, visibly irritated, directed his frustration towards the journalist, emphasizing the perceived anger and bias in their questioning. “You go back and learn how to be a reporter. No more questions from you,” he said.
This latest incident marks another chapter in Trump’s contentious interactions with the media, reminiscent of previous confrontations that have defined his presidency. The White House’s defense of Trump’s behavior reflects a broader strategy of framing criticisms of the President as a failure of journalistic standards rather than as a critique of his conduct.
As the Trump administration navigates ongoing scrutiny related to Epstein, further developments are likely to arise. The President’s call to release more information regarding Epstein may also impact related investigations and public perception. The discourse surrounding this incident highlights the complex dynamics between the President and the press, raising important questions about accountability and the standards expected in political journalism.
