Why Did Trump Call a Reporter ‘Piggy’ When Asked About Epstein Emails?

President Donald Trump had several heated run-ins with reporters over the weekend, including a tense November 14 press gaggle aboard Air Force One, where he was questioned about newly released Jeffrey Epstein emails that mentioned him by name.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee had published three pieces of correspondence allegedly obtained from Epstein’s estate. In one email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein referred to Trump as “that dog that hasn’t barked” and claimed a victim had spent “hours at my house with him.”

In another message to biographer Michael Wolff, Epstein wrote that Trump “knew about the girls… as he asked Ghislaine to stop.” Trump disputed the material, telling reporters, “I know nothing about that… Jeffrey Epstein and I had a very bad relationship for many years.”

What Led to the ‘Piggy’ Remark?

When an off-camera Bloomberg reporter asked whether there was anything “incriminating” in the emails, Trump jabbed a finger toward her and snapped, “Quiet. Quiet, Piggy.” The insult drew widespread attention, resurfacing past allegations about Trump calling women derogatory names, including former Miss Universe Alicia Machado’s claim that he had once greeted her with “Hello, Miss Piggy.”

Two days after the Air Force One exchange, Trump again clashed with the press when asked about Tucker Carlson’s interview with far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes, telling the same reporter, “Will you let me finish? You are the worst… I don’t know why they even have you.”

As Trump returned to the White House following that gaggle, a photo circulated showing the American flag on the South Lawn appearing to droop near the ground. Critics cited US Flag Code rules, but the White House denied wrongdoing.