WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is facing widespread and immediate backlash after he publicly used a derogatory insult against a female journalist onboard Air Force One.
The incident occurred during a press opportunity, known as a gaggle, where Bloomberg News White House correspondent Catherine Lucey asked the President a question about the escalating Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the imminent release of the related legal files.
As Lucey began her inquiry, Trump pointed at her and stated: “Quiet. Quiet, piggy.”
The Clash and Political Context
The severity of the insult was noted by several journalists, including April Ryan, who suggested the aggression was tied to the political sensitivity of the question. Ryan stated the attack “also shows how upset he is about the Epstein files,” implying the documents contain politically sensitive information.
The insult is consistent with Trump’s documented history of using appearance-based attacks against women, having famously referred to former Miss Universe Alicia Machado as “Miss Piggy” in 1996.
Widespread Condemnation and Institutional Defense
The remark picked up major traction on Tuesday, drawing strong condemnation from across the media spectrum:
- CNN anchor Jake Tapper labeled the incident “Disgusting and completely unacceptable.
- Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson called the remark “disgusting and degrading.
- The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) stated the “piggy” remark is “more of the same,” labeling it a gendered attack meant to intimidate and silence women journalists and often leading to a “torrent of abuse” directed at the victim.
Bloomberg News released a statement defending their employee: “Our White House journalists perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor. We remain focused on reporting issues of public interest fairly and accurately.
White House Defense: Blaming the Reporter
In a stark contrast to the institutional defense, an unnamed White House official sought to defend the President by blaming the reporter for the clash
The official claimed, without offering any evidence, that Lucey “behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane.” The official then offered the defense: “If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take.” The White House did not respond when asked to specify what Lucey had done that was inappropriate.
