Catherine Lucey is a seasoned Washington correspondent who joined Bloomberg News in early 2025 after previous stints at the Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. On November 14, 2025, while aboard Air Force One, she asked President Trump a follow-up question about newly released emails related to Jeffrey Epstein — specifically, why he opposed releasing the full file if “there’s nothing incriminating in the files.”
Trump cut her off mid-question, then leaned forward, pointed, and said: “Quiet. Quiet, piggy.” The exchange was short, but the clip of it exploded online and triggered immediate criticism from journalists, press freedom groups and political commentators.
Reactions and the White House response
The remark drew sharp condemnation. CNN anchor Jake Tapper called it “disgusting and completely unacceptable.” Former Miss America and journalist Gretchen Carlson described it as “disgusting and degrading,” observing that Trump’s pattern of naming female journalists in derisive terms has persisted for years.
The White House offered a defence of Trump’s comment. A spokesperson claimed that the reporter had “behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way towards her colleagues on the plane” and added, “If you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take it.” Meanwhile Bloomberg issued a brief statement of support for Lucey, insisting their White House journalists “perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor.”
Why this moment matters
Although the insult may seem like a personal jibe, many observers saw it as more than that. Lucey’s question touched on the Epstein files, a high-profile and politically sensitive subject. Analysts argue that the irritated reaction from Trump suggests deeper discomfort with the topic.
Equally, the episode revived debate over the treatment of female journalists in the Trump era. Previous episodes include Trump calling reporter Lynne Patton’s remark about reporter April Ryan “Miss Piggy” in 2018. Press freedom advocates say that the message sent by a leader using such hostile language is chilling to reporters seeking to probe power.
Finally, the incident touches on broader concerns about presidential decorum and the tone of the public sphere. When the head of state resorts to name-calling a journalist who is simply asking a question, critics say it erodes the guardrails of civil discourse and weakens accountability.
What happens next
As of this writing, Catherine Lucey has not publicly commented on the incident. Bloomberg continues to stand behind its White House coverage. The White House has not offered further clarification about the claim that Lucey behaved unprofessionally.
For the media, the exchange is likely to become a reference point in discussions about press access, gender and power in the Trump-era White House. For the administration, it represents another flashpoint in the fraught relationship with the press. Whether it changes how future press gaggles are held or how journalists engage remains to be seen.
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