President Donald Trump’s derogatory remark ‘Quiet, piggy’ to a female reporter questioning him about Jeffrey Epstein files has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted ongoing tensions between his administration and the press. The incident occurred last Friday aboard Air Force One, during a press gaggle where journalists had the opportunity to ask the president questions. Catherine Lucey, the White House correspondent for Bloomberg News, seized the moment to inquire about the impending House vote on releasing all files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. As she began to press Trump on why he was reacting defensively if there was nothing incriminating in the documents, the president pointed at her and interjected with the phrase that would soon go viral.
Trump’s exact words—’Quiet. Quiet, piggy’—were captured on video and quickly disseminated across social media and news outlets. The remark was first reported by CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs, though she did not initially name the journalist involved. The exchange underscored the president’s pattern of personal attacks, particularly against women in the media, and immediately sparked outrage among press freedom advocates and fellow journalists. This incident is part of a broader trend where Trump has faced criticism for his treatment of the press, especially in high-stakes political moments.
The context of the question is crucial, as the U.S. House of Representatives was preparing to vote on legislation to release the unredacted Epstein files, a move that Trump later said he would support. Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, has been a source of controversy, with emails surfacing that mention Trump’s name in connection with his activities. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating, ‘I know nothing about that.’ The files’ potential release has intensified scrutiny on figures linked to Epstein, adding pressure on the administration to address lingering questions.
Criticism poured in from various quarters following the incident. CNN anchor Jake Tapper described the comment as ‘disgusting and completely unacceptable’ on social media platform X, while former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson called it ‘disgusting and degrading.’ April Ryan, a veteran White House correspondent who has herself been targeted by Trump, told The Guardian that the president’s behavior was ‘beneath the dignity of the presidency’ and suggested it indicated he might be concerned about what the Epstein files could reveal. These reactions highlight the deep divisions over Trump’s conduct and its impact on public discourse.
This is not the first time Trump has used appearance-based insults against women. In the 1990s, he reportedly called Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado ‘Miss Piggy’ and pressured her to lose weight. More recently, in 2018, a Trump administration official referred to April Ryan as ‘Miss Piggy,’ though an apology was issued. The International Women’s Media Foundation has previously called on the White House to show more respect toward female journalists, noting that such comments can lead to online harassment and deter others from asking tough questions. This history underscores a persistent issue in Trump’s interactions with the media.
In response to the backlash, a White House official attempted to shift blame, claiming without evidence that Lucey had behaved ‘in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane.’ When pressed for specifics, the administration did not provide any. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News stood by its reporter, with a spokesperson emphasizing that their journalists ‘perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor.’ This defense reflects the media’s role in holding power accountable, even in the face of hostility.
The episode highlights broader issues of press freedom and the treatment of journalists under the Trump administration. It comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Epstein case continuing to fuel debates over transparency and accountability in Washington. As the House moves forward with releasing the files, Trump’s reaction may influence public perception and underscore the challenges faced by the media in holding power to account. The ongoing fallout could shape future interactions between the press and the presidency, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue in a democracy.
