President Donald Trump has once again found himself at the center of media scrutiny after making a sexist remark toward a reporter, described as "disgusting" by journalists, political analysts, and social media users alike.
On board Air Force One, Trump told journalist Catherine Lucey to "shut up, shut up, piglet" when she questioned him about the convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The derogatory comment has not only reignited longstanding accusations of misogyny against the president but also sparked outrage both in the United States and internationally, particularly among advocates for press freedom and women's rights in journalism.
An Inquiry About Epstein Turns Into a Viral Insult
The incident unfolded Friday on the presidential plane. Catherine Lucey, a Bloomberg White House correspondent, pressed Trump on why he was reluctant to release recently declassified documents about Epstein if they did not implicate him.
As Lucey sought clarification, Trump turned to her, pointed a finger, and said, "Shut up. Shut up, piglet."
Although the episode initially went unnoticed, a video capturing the moment went viral on social media Tuesday, unleashing a wave of critical reactions.
The phrase quickly trended online, with users sharing images of Trump depicted as a pig and demanding respect for female journalists.
California Governor Gavin Newsom joined the condemnation with a post mimicking the viral provocations Trump often uses online.
The Weight of Words: Symbolic Violence Against Female Journalists
For many in journalism and feminist activism, this incident represents a personal, misogynistic, and deliberate attack.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper called the incident "disgusting and utterly unacceptable."
Gretchen Carlson, former Fox News anchor and advocate against media harassment, labeled it "degrading."
Bloomberg issued a statement supporting their journalist: "Our White House reporters perform a critical public service, asking questions without fear or favor. We remain committed to reporting on matters of public interest fairly and accurately."
However, the White House did not issue an apology.
Press reports indicate a staffer claimed the journalist acted "inappropriately."
"If you're going to dish it out, you have to be able to take it," was the brief and defiant official response.
No specifics were provided on the alleged professional misconduct attributed to Lucey.
A History of Sexist Attacks
This is not an isolated incident. Donald Trump has a documented history of verbal assaults against female journalists.
In 2018, the International Women's Media Foundation highlighted the president's "demeaning language towards journalists of color."
That same year, Trump interrupted reporter Yamiche Alcindor during a COVID-19 press briefing, saying, "Be nice, don't be threatening."
During his first presidential campaign, in response to journalist Megyn Kelly's question about his insults toward women, Trump claimed he only targeted Rosie O'Donnell.
In 1996, he called then-Miss Universe Alicia Machado "Miss Piggy," and in 2006, he referred to comedian Rosie O'Donnell as a "fat pig."
Epstein's Unresolved Shadows
This entire exchange occurred amid the backdrop of newly declassified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier convicted of child sex trafficking whose prison death remains controversial.
In the recently revealed emails, Epstein referred to Trump as "dangerous" and claimed "he knew about the girls."
However, the president denies knowledge of these messages and has shifted focus to other figures mentioned, such as former President Bill Clinton.
Catherine Lucey's question aimed at the heart of the matter: if Trump had nothing to hide, why delay the full release of the documents?
The scandal has extended beyond media circles, garnering criticism from political figures, academics, and activists.
Numerous commentators have highlighted concerns not only about Trump's offensive language but also about the silence of his male colleagues aboard Air Force One, none of whom publicly defended Lucey at the time of the incident.
FAQs on Trump's Controversial Remarks and the Epstein Case
What was the context of Trump's remarks to Catherine Lucey?
Trump's remarks occurred during an inquiry about the declassification of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Lucey questioned why Trump was hesitant to release them if they didn't implicate him.
How has the public reacted to Trump's comment?
The comment has sparked widespread outrage, with social media users, journalists, and political figures condemning the sexist nature of the remark and calling for respect toward female journalists.
Has the White House responded to the incident?
The White House has not issued an apology; instead, a staffer claimed the journalist acted inappropriately, and an official response suggested that criticism must be reciprocated with resilience.