Overview
- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the insult as the president’s frankness, arguing his openness with reporters is respectful compared with past administrations.
- Independent video and audio confirm Trump said “piggy,” despite a supporter-driven “Peggy” claim that X’s Grok bot briefly echoed before correcting to acknowledge verified footage and transcripts.
- Days later in the Oval Office, Trump rebuked ABC’s Mary Bruce as insubordinate and a terrible reporter during questions to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reinforcing concerns about a pattern.
- Researchers and commentators, including Cynthia Miller-Idriss, warn that hostile sexist rhetoric correlates with greater willingness to condone political violence and poses risks to democratic norms.
- The exchange came as reporters pressed about Epstein records, with Congress pushing disclosures and Trump signing bipartisan legislation directing the Justice Department to declassify related files.