NEED TO KNOW
- President Trump told a female journalist “Quiet, piggy” after she asked about Epstein emails.
- The insult is now trending online, joined by thousands of Trump-as-a-pig memes.
- The White House claims the reporter was “inappropriate,” though no evidence was provided.
President Donald Trump caused another media firestorm after snapping at a female reporter who asked about recently released Epstein emails. The president responded to the question by saying quiet, piggy. The remark traveled across the internet in minutes and triggered a new round of outrage, memes, think pieces, and at least one trending hashtag involving cartoon snouts.
The exchange happened aboard Air Force One after reporters pressed Trump about Epstein calling him dangerous and claiming he knew about the girls. Trump said he had no idea what Epstein was talking about. He also insisted reporters should focus on Bill Clinton. When Bloomberg correspondent Catherine Lucey followed up, he cut her off with the insult. Several reporters froze as if they had just watched a toaster fall into a bathtub.
White House Says Reporter Was “Inappropriate”
A White House spokesperson said Lucey behaved in an unprofessional manner. However, no one provided any example. Instead, the official released a statement saying if you are going to give it, you have to take it. Critics pointed out that asking questions is her literal job.
The insult, meanwhile, spread across social media. Governor Gavin Newsom posted a graphic that showed Trump as a pig in a tie. Thousands of users followed his lead, which created a digital barnyard in record time. Even Republicans who privately support Trump said the remark was not ideal, although most avoided public comment, possibly due to self preservation instincts.
Journalists noted that this is not the first time Trump used animal themes to insult women. The list stretches back years. Supporters argued that he treats everyone the same and that equality means anyone can be called piggy. Critics replied that equality does not require farm animal metaphors on federal aircraft.
Reporters Ask Why No One Spoke Up
Several media observers said the most uncomfortable part was the silence from other reporters on the plane. Many said they wished someone would have defended Lucey. Others admitted they were trying to process what happened in real time. Regardless, the viral moment added another entry to the long record of Trump berating women on camera.
Pundits expect the clip to fuel debates on press freedom, gender bias, and the general expectations for how a president should behave. However, the White House plans to move on and hopes the internet will soon shift to a new outrage cycle. Judging by the speed of the last week, that prediction has a high chance of success.
Every news cycle eventually becomes a petting zoo.
