Trump Threatens to Revoke ABC News License Following Questions About Epstein and Saudi Business Dealings

"I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein," Donald Trump declared emphatically.

Donald Trump expressed intense displeasure Tuesday, threatening to revoke a US network's broadcasting license after its correspondent raised questions about his family's business dealings and the Jeffrey Epstein controversy during a significant White House event.

ABC News journalist Mary Bruce posed these inquiries while Trump was hosting Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who had been connected by CIA intelligence to the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Bruce inquired about allegations concerning improper Middle Eastern business arrangements involving the Trump family enterprise.

Media outlets have highlighted potential deals under discussion between the Trump Organization and Saudi partners, including a proposed luxury resort development in the Maldives.

Bruce also directly questioned Prince Mohammed, stating, "US intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist, 9/11 families are furious that you're here in the Oval Office. Why should Americans trust you?"

"ABC fake news. One of the worst in the business," Trump interjected angrily.

The president asserted he has "nothing to do with the family business," which is currently managed by his two eldest sons.

Regarding the 'Piggy' remark incident, Trump supported Prince Mohammed's denial of involvement in Khashoggi's murder, contradicting US intelligence assessments suggesting he approved the operation.

"You don't have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that," Trump responded sharply.

Bruce subsequently raised questions about the contentious issue of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump's connections to the financier have persistently troubled him for months, particularly after his supporters previously promoted conspiracy theories regarding Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

"It's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter," Trump retorted to Bruce.

"I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein," the president insisted, reiterating his claim that the scandal represents a "hoax."

He added, "your crappy company is one of the perpetrators."

"I'll tell you something. I think the licence should be taken away from ABC, because your news is so fake and it's so wrong," he continued.

He urged the head of the US broadcast regulator -- who has previously threatened ABC regarding its content -- to "look at that."

He then pointed at Bruce: "No more questions from you."

This latest confrontation follows an incident last week when the president referred to another female reporter as "piggy" after she inquired about Epstein.