Former President Donald Trump rebuked CBS reporter Jennifer Jacobs after she asked why senators should remain in Washington to pass the Save America Act amid nationwide midterm campaigning. The exchange followed a Truth Social post in which Trump urged Senate leaders not to "leave town" and even suggested ending the filibuster to speed passage of his priorities. Trump called the question "stupid" while recalling past interactions with Jacobs; the clash comes days after a separate swipe at CNN's Kaitlan Collins.
Trump Snaps at CBS Reporter Over SAVE/Save America Act Push, Urges Senate Not to "Leave Town"
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Former President Donald Trump sharply rebuked a CBS reporter after she pressed him about his push to pass the Save America Act (referred to by Trump as the "SAVE Act") during a Monday press briefing. The exchange followed a Truth Social post in which Trump faulted Senate Majority Leader John Thune for not moving the measure through the Senate and even urged ending the filibuster so Republicans could advance a slate of priorities.
What Trump Posted
"John Thune should not allow the United States Senate to 'leave town' until it passes The Save America Act or, far better still, TERMINATES THE FILIBUSTER, where Republicans can then quickly pass everything they ever dreamed of, including a full and deep throated SAVE AMERICA ACT, the Budget, and the ever looming Debt Ceiling disaster, 1929!"
The Press Exchange
After the post, CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs asked why Trump wanted senators to remain in Washington when campaigning for the upcoming midterm elections is underway nationwide. Trump responded angrily, calling the question "stupid" while also offering a backhanded compliment about Jacobs' past coverage: "She's a smart person. I knew her all the way back in the Iowa days when she said 'Trump's gonna win.' And boy was she right." He added that failing to pass the Save America Act would be "a very bad thing for the party."
Context
Trump's remarks revive two ongoing themes of his political messaging: pressuring Republican leaders to prioritize party legislation and calling for procedural changes such as eliminating the Senate filibuster to expedite passage of major bills. The debate over whether senators should remain in Washington during campaign season is part political strategy and part logistical challenge—with critics arguing that extended floor sessions can interfere with campaigning while supporters say it ensures urgent legislation gets addressed.
Related Exchange
This confrontation came days after a separate on-air jab at CNN's Kaitlan Collins, whom Trump said "never smiles." Collins addressed the remark on a recent episode of The Daily Show, saying she did not want coverage to focus on her reaction and risk turning the exchange into a personal back-and-forth.
Reporting on the exchange was carried by multiple outlets. Original and follow-up coverage cited statements posted on Truth Social and press interactions in Washington.
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