President Trump told a female reporter to be "Quiet, Piggy" during a gaggle on Air Force One after she questioned him about emails and other files tied to Jeffrey Epstein. A White House official defended the president, calling the reporter's conduct "inappropriate," though it was not specified what behavior prompted that comment. The incident recalls an earlier allegation that Trump once mocked Alicia Machado's weight, and comes as Trump has shifted from calling the Epstein matter a "hoax" to saying he would sign a bill to release government files if Congress approves one.
Trump Calls Reporter 'Piggy' During Air Force One Gaggle Over Epstein Files
President Trump told a female reporter to be "Quiet, Piggy" during a gaggle on Air Force One after she questioned him about emails and other files tied to Jeffrey Epstein. A White House official defended the president, calling the reporter's conduct "inappropriate," though it was not specified what behavior prompted that comment. The incident recalls an earlier allegation that Trump once mocked Alicia Machado's weight, and comes as Trump has shifted from calling the Epstein matter a "hoax" to saying he would sign a bill to release government files if Congress approves one.
03:12 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
President Dismisses Question on Epstein Records
President Donald Trump dismissed a female reporter who pressed him about the Jeffrey Epstein files during a press gaggle on Air Force One, pointing at her and saying, "Quiet. Quiet, Piggy." The exchange occurred after the reporter raised an email Epstein reportedly wrote about Trump that House Oversight Committee Democrats released last week.
When the reporter attempted a follow-up about potentially incriminating details in the Epstein records, the president interrupted with the terse rebuke. The moment was brief but drew immediate attention because of the tone and the derogatory epithet.
"Quiet. Quiet, Piggy."
In response to a request for comment from MSNBC, a White House official said: "This reporter behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane. If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take." The official did not specify which behavior they were referencing; reporters frequently talk over one another at gaggles.
Past Remarks and Political Context
The exchange echoed a 2016 allegation by former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, who said Trump called her "Miss Piggy" in reference to her weight after she won the pageant in 1996. Trump did not deny making the remark at the time and said Machado had "gained a massive amount of weight" after the contest, adding that he had "saved" her from being fired.
Trump has repeatedly tried to minimize the controversy surrounding the Epstein files, at times calling the matter a "hoax." On Monday, however, he signaled a change in posture, saying he would sign legislation to release all government files on Jeffrey Epstein if Congress passes such a bill.
Attribution: This article was originally published on MSNBC.com.