Donald Trump Slams Reporter: 'Quiet, Piggy'
Donald Trump speaking at CPAC 2011 in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
In a moment that instantly ignited a firestorm across social media and newsrooms, President Donald Trump stunned observers during an in-flight press gaggle aboard Air Force One. When Bloomberg News White House correspondent Catherine Lucey pressed him about newly released emails tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Trump abruptly snapped, pointing a finger at her and reportedly uttering the chilling words, "Quiet. Quiet, piggy." The terse insult, loaded with decades of personal attacks and controversy, sent shockwaves through the press corps and reignited debates about Trump's combative relationship with female journalists.
Setting the Stage: Epstein Files and a Press Clash
The tense exchange unfolded during a Nov. 14, 2025, flight from Washington, D.C., to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The backdrop was a congressional push to release the full trove of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's criminal activities. Just days earlier, House Democrats had unveiled three new emails from Epstein's estate, some of which mentioned Trump by name and suggested he was aware of Epstein's trafficking of underage girls. These revelations had already stirred political and media storms, with Trump vehemently denying any wrongdoing and dismissing the emails as fabrications.
Catherine Lucey seized the moment to ask a pointed question: "if there's nothing incriminating in the files," why was Trump reluctant to release them? Instead of a measured response, Trump's reaction was swift and harsh. He cut her off mid-question, leaned in, and delivered the now-infamous "Quiet. Quiet, piggy" barb, as reported by The Guardian. The insult was not just a random outburst but a loaded phrase with a history of Trump's personal attacks on women, including former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whom he reportedly once called "Miss Piggy" during her reign.
The Fallout: Outrage and Solidarity
The moment quickly went viral, sparking outrage from journalists, politicians, and the public alike. CNN anchor Jake Tapper condemned Trump's behavior as "disgusting and completely unacceptable," as reported by The Guardian, while former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson labeled the remark "disgusting and degrading." The incident also raised uncomfortable questions about the silence of other reporters present during the exchange, many of whom did not intervene or defend Lucey in real time.
Veteran White House correspondent April Ryan, herself no stranger to Trump's verbal attacks, described the president's insult as "beneath the dignity of the presidency," as reported by The Guardian. She suggested that Trump's outburst revealed his agitation over the Epstein files and encouraged Lucey to continue asking tough questions despite the intimidation. Elisa Lees Muñoz, Executive Director of the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF), echoed these sentiments, highlighting to The Guardian that Trump's "appearance-based insults are gendered attacks" — part of a broader pattern aimed at silencing women journalists and fostering a hostile work environment.
A History of Hostility Toward Female Journalists
Trump's "piggy" insult is far from an isolated incident. His history of personal attacks on female journalists spans years and includes some of the most high-profile media figures in the country. Alicia Machado's public recounting of Trump's taunts during her Miss Universe reign is one of the most notorious examples. Back in 2018, Trump's administration official Lynne Patton called April Ryan "Miss Piggy," though Patton later apologized. Trump himself has called Ryan a "loser" and questioned her competence on multiple occasions, as reported by The Guardian.
This behavior has drawn sharp criticism from media watchdogs and advocacy groups, who warn that such language not only undermines the credibility of women journalists but also emboldens online harassment campaigns against them. The White House Correspondents' Association, while historically defending journalists under attack, reportedly did not issue a statement on this particular incident, leaving a void in institutional support at a critical moment.
The Power of a Moment
The "Quiet, piggy" moment is more than just a viral soundbite. It encapsulates the ongoing tension between Trump and the press, especially those who dare to challenge him. It also highlights the precarious position of journalists who must navigate a hostile environment while pursuing stories of immense public interest.
As the Epstein files continue to unfold and the political drama intensifies, this startling barb aboard Air Force One will remain a vivid snapshot of a presidency defined by conflict, controversy, and unfiltered confrontation.
References: Trump Eviscerated for Snapping 'Quiet, Piggy!' at Female Journalist: 'This Is Sick' | Trump faces criticism for referring to female Bloomberg reporter as 'piggy' | Donald Trump | Donald Trump Snaps 'Quiet Piggy' at Female Reporter Who Asks About Epstein | Donald Trump snaps at female reporter asking about Epstein files
