The White House has come to the defense of President Donald Trump following a controversial exchange with a reporter aboard Air Force One. During a flight last week, Trump became visibly frustrated with questions regarding Jeffrey Epstein and responded by pointing his finger at the reporter and saying, “Quiet, piggy!” The incident was captured on video and subsequently gained widespread attention after being released by the White House.
In response to the outrage sparked by this interaction, a White House official spoke to MS NOW, labeling the reporter’s questioning as “inappropriate and unprofessional.” The official suggested that the reporter should develop “thicker skin,” stating, “If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take.” This defense highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding the media’s relationship with the Trump administration, especially concerning sensitive topics.
Tensions have been high for Trump in recent days, particularly following the release of emails linked to Epstein that mentioned the president. On November 18, 2025, Trump also confronted an ABC reporter who pressed him about the Saudi leadership’s involvement in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In a heated exchange, Trump threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license, saying, “I think your news is so fake and it’s so wrong.”
He criticized the reporter’s tone, asserting, “The way you ask the question, with the anger and the meanness, is terrible. You go back and learn how to be a reporter.” This incident further illustrates the ongoing friction between Trump and the media, particularly as he navigates the fallout from Epstein-related inquiries.
The White House’s defense of Trump’s remarks and the president’s aggressive posture toward reporters raise questions about the administration’s approach to press relations. As the discourse continues to evolve, the dynamics between the Trump administration and the media remain a focal point for both political analysts and the public alike.
