8 Facts Behind Trump's "piggy" snap to Bloomberg Reporter

Q1: What exactly did Trump say to the reporter?

During a November 14 press gaggle on Air Force One, Trump pointed his finger in a female reporter's face and said, "Quiet. Quiet, Piggy." The menacing comment came as the Bloomberg reporter attempted to ask him a question about recently released Epstein files.

2. Why were reporters asking Trump about the Epstein emails in the first place?

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released three newly obtained Epstein-related emails on Nov. 12, prompting renewed public interest. The emails referenced Trump directly, including comments from Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Reporters questioned Trump about whether the emails contained anything incriminating. The broader context is an ongoing congressional push to release more Epstein materials. Trump’s comments came during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One.

3. What do the Epstein emails actually say about Trump?

One email shows Epstein telling Ghislaine Maxwell that a victim "spent hours at my house with him" (referring to Trump) and that Trump "has never once been mentioned." In another email with Trump biographer Michael Wolff, Epstein wrote that Trump "knew about the girls" and "asked Ghislaine to stop," apparently referring to rumors that Epstein and Maxwell used Mar-a-Lago to scout potential trafficking victims.

4. How did Trump respond to questions about the emails?

Trump insisted, "I know nothing about that. They would have announced that a long time ago." He added that he and Jeffrey Epstein "had a very bad relationship for many years." Trump has consistently denied knowing about or being involved in Epstein's activities.

5. Has Trump called someone "piggy" before?

Yes. During his 2016 presidential campaign, former Miss Universe Alicia Machado claimed Trump used "Miss Piggy" as an insult when she gained weight after winning the title at age 19. Machado said Trump would tell her "You look ugly" or "You look fat" and call her "Miss Piggy" and "Miss Housekeeping."

6. What other reporter incident happened that weekend?

Two days after the Air Force One exchange, Trump snapped at another Bloomberg reporter who asked him about Tucker Carlson's interview with far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes. When the reporter tried to ask a follow-up question while Trump was still speaking, he responded, "You are the worst. I don't know why they even have you."

7. Did the White House flag actually touched the ground?

After returning to the White House, Trump was photographed walking past a flag that appeared to be touching the ground. Critics circulated the image as evidence of mishandling of the flag, noting that U.S. Flag Code prohibits the flag from touching the ground. The picture gained traction online amid ongoing political debate. The moment became an additional flashpoint unrelated to the Epstein questions but part of the weekend’s scrutiny. It drew enough attention to require an official response.

8. How did the White House respond to the flag incident?

White House spokesman Davis Ingle called the story “fake news.” He said the flag did not touch the ground and had been lowered intentionally due to high winds. According to the statement, it was placed into a special container to protect it during Marine One’s landing. The White House maintained that the flag’s appearance was misleading in circulated photos. The clarification was meant to put the matter to rest.