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President Donald Trump sparked controversy after telling a female reporter to “quiet, piggy” during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One. The exchange occurred when the journalist asked about the status of Jeffrey Epstein-related files. Trump cut her off, gesturing toward another reporter while repeating the remark.
Lawmakers and commentators from both parties condemned the comment as unprofessional, with groups like Occupy Democrats saying it reflected poorly on someone holding the presidency. This is not the first time Trump has clashed with female reporters; in 2020, he told one to “keep her voice down” during a White House briefing.
The confrontation comes amid mounting pressure on the administration to release Epstein-related documents. The House is set to vote on legislation requiring the Justice Department to make the files public, and Trump has said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk. The documents have drawn renewed attention after a congressional committee released thousands of pages detailing Epstein’s network of contacts, which included global figures and Trump himself. Trump maintains that he distanced himself from Epstein long before the financier’s legal troubles.
If enacted, the DOJ would have 30 days to publish the materials in a searchable format. While certain details involving victims or ongoing investigations could be redacted, the law would prohibit withholding information simply because it might cause “embarrassment” or “reputational harm.”
Trump’s “piggy” comment is part of a pattern of gendered insults, including past attacks on Rosie O’Donnell and Miss Universe winner Alicia Machado, whom he mocked publicly during his time co-owning the pageant. Recently, Trump shifted his stance on the Epstein files, initially calling the issue a “Democrat hoax” on Truth Social but later expressing support for full release, stating: “We have nothing to hide.”
Reporters continue pressing him for specifics, with Trump increasingly combative, accusing journalists of spreading “fake news” on transparency and other controversies. The identity of the reporter insulted on Air Force One has not been officially confirmed.
