Outrage Erupts Over Trump's 'Quiet, Piggy' Comment to Female Reporter
A video clip showing former US President Donald Trump angrily telling a female reporter 'Quiet, piggy' during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One has sparked significant controversy across the United States. The incident occurred on 14 November 2025, but gained traction online days later, largely without mainstream media promotion.
A Pattern of Behaviour Towards Female Journalists
The remark was directed at Bloomberg correspondent Catherine Lucey, who was questioning Trump about his opposition to releasing documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lucey had asked why Trump was fighting the release 'if there's nothing incriminating in the files'.
This wasn't an isolated incident in that news cycle. Trump also criticised ABC News's Mary Bruce for asking Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, telling her she was being rude to their guest. The combined force of these two outbursts at female journalists—one asking about a child sex abuser, another about a murdered colleague—represented an escalation beyond Trump's typical media attacks.
Why This Incident Resonated
Several factors contributed to the clip's viral impact. Many observers noted that no other journalists present immediately defended Lucey during the exchange, highlighting how those targeted by Trump often stand alone while others fear becoming his next target.
The Society of Professional Journalists condemned Trump's behaviour in a statement, noting: 'These incidents are not isolated; they are part of an unmistakable pattern of hostility – often directed at women – that undermines the essential role of a free and independent press.'
Meanwhile, the White House defended Trump's comment, claiming Lucey had 'behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane', though they provided no specific details about this alleged behaviour.
Broader Political Context
The incident occurred during a challenging period for Trump, with Democrats performing strongly in off-year elections, Republicans refusing to eliminate the filibuster to end a government shutdown, and economic concerns mounting. Some analysts suggest Trump's aggressive response might indicate he's feeling politically vulnerable.
Democratic strategists and content creators amplified the clip online days after the incident, demonstrating how left-wing media ecosystems can now drive news cycles independently of traditional media outlets. California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office notably joined the criticism, repeatedly tweeting 'quiet, piggy' alongside Photoshopped images of Trump's face on pigs.
As commentator Joyce Alene suggested on X, women might reclaim the insult by adopting Miss Piggy as a symbol of resistance, much like Portland adopted the frog during earlier protests against Trump's policies.
