Trump Denies Calling Female Reporter ‘Piggy’ After Epstein Files Question

In a tense exchange aboard Air Force One, President Trump referred to Bloomberg’s White House correspondent Catherine Lucey as “piggy” after she attempted to ask a follow-up question about the Epstein files.

The incident occurred on November 14, 2025, during what’s known in journalistic circles as a “gaggle” – an informal but on-the-record session between the president and traveling press corps. Trump was en route to West Palm Beach, Florida, when the confrontation took place.

According to recordings of the exchange, Lucey initially asked, “Mr. President, what did Jeffrey Epstein mean in his emails when he said you knew about the girls?”

Trump responded by denying any knowledge of the matter, quickly pivoting to associate Epstein with others. “I know nothing about that. They would have announced that a long time ago,” he said, before redirecting attention to Epstein’s relationships with former President Bill Clinton and former Harvard President Larry Summers.

The president continued, “Jeffrey Epstein and I had a very bad relationship for many years. But he also saw strength because I was president. So he dictated a couple of memos to himself. Give me a break.”

When Lucey attempted to follow up by asking, “Is there anything incriminating in the files, sir…” she was interrupted both by another reporter and then by Trump himself, who stated, “Quiet, quiet, piggy,” effectively shutting down her line of questioning.

The remark has raised concerns about the administration’s treatment of the press, particularly female journalists. This is not the first time Trump’s interactions with female reporters have drawn criticism, as his administration has had a contentious relationship with the media throughout his presidency.

When questioned about the president’s choice of words, a White House official defended Trump by claiming Lucey had behaved inappropriately. “This reporter behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane,” the official told Lead Stories. “If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take it.”

The Epstein files have remained a politically charged topic, with connections to numerous high-profile individuals across political spectrums. Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had associations with many powerful figures, making any documentation of these relationships potentially explosive.

Press freedom advocates have expressed alarm at the incident, suggesting it represents a concerning pattern of hostility toward journalists attempting to ask challenging questions. The White House Correspondents’ Association has historically defended reporters’ rights to question officials without fear of personal attacks or intimidation.

Bloomberg News, Lucey’s employer, is one of the world’s largest financial news organizations. The company has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident involving their White House correspondent.

The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the administration and the press corps, particularly when reporters pursue questions about sensitive topics. Media ethics experts note that follow-up questions are standard journalistic practice, especially when initial answers appear to deflect from the original query.

As the 2025 presidential term progresses, the relationship between the White House and the media continues to be defined by moments like these, raising questions about decorum, respect, and the essential role of press scrutiny in American democracy.