Overview
- The exchange occurred Nov. 14 during a press gaggle when Catherine Lucey asked about newly released Epstein emails that claim Trump “knew about the girls.”
- Video of the moment circulated widely after being posted Monday and drew sharp rebukes from journalists including CNN’s Jake Tapper and Gretchen Carlson.
- The White House issued a statement saying the reporter acted inappropriately toward colleagues and that “if you’re going to give it, you have to be able to take” it.
- The backlash comes as the House moves toward a vote on legislation to compel release of unclassified Epstein-related records following large document releases.
- Trump, who recently shifted his stance, now says he supports making the files public and would sign a bill requiring their release.