White House Defends Trump's "Piggy" Comment Toward Female Journalist Amid Epstein Questions

The White House has come to President Donald Trump's defense after he referred to a female journalist as "piggy" during an interaction where she questioned him about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the president's remarks, suggesting they demonstrate his characteristic frankness and transparency - qualities that American voters appreciate.

The controversial exchange occurred aboard Air Force One last week and quickly went viral. As the reporter pressed Trump about an Epstein email claiming the former president "knew about the girls," Trump pointed his finger at her and said, "Quiet, piggy."

During Thursday's White House briefing, Leavitt addressed the incident by stating, "He calls out fake news when he sees it and gets frustrated with reporters who spread false information." She provided no evidence of false reporting but added that Trump "provides unprecedented access to the press and answers questions on a near-daily basis."

This incident follows another recent confrontation where Trump labeled a different female reporter "a terrible person" in the Oval Office. This occurred after she questioned visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing and asked Trump about releasing the Epstein files.

Despite initial resistance, Trump signed legislation on Wednesday directing the Justice Department to release documents from its extensive Epstein investigation.

The Society of Professional Journalists issued a statement condemning Trump's disparaging language toward reporters, highlighting his pattern of using demeaning language toward women. The White House offered no additional comment beyond Leavitt's earlier statement regarding the "piggy" remark.

SPJ Executive Director Caroline Hendrie stated, "Nobody expects presidents to be reporters' biggest fans. But targeting women reporters with humiliating insults should not be tolerated."