A routine press availability turned confrontational this week when former President Donald Trump sharply criticized an ABC News reporter who pressed him on the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The exchange began when the reporter asked:
“Mr. President, why are you waiting for Congress to release Epstein’s files? Why not do it now?”
Trump immediately dismissed the question and shifted to attacking the reporter’s professionalism.
“It’s not a question that interests me… I think you are a terrible reporter,” Trump responded, calling the question “insubordinate” and “terrible.”
“It’s the way you ask these questions.”
The President went on to praise the person who introduced the reporter to the room as “a highly respected man,” suggesting that the reporter’s tone was disrespectful given the circumstances.
Deflecting From Epstein to Political Opponents
Trump reiterated that he had “nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” stating that he removed Epstein from his private club years earlier. He then pivoted to naming several public figures he claimed had closer ties to Epstein—none of whom were present and without offering supporting evidence in the exchange.
He returned repeatedly to attacking ABC:
“Your company, your ugly company, is one of the perpetrators… your news is so fake and so wrong.”
At one point, Trump suggested ABC’s broadcast license should be reevaluated, citing what he claimed was overwhelmingly negative coverage of him.
Tensions Rise During Question on Khashoggi Killing
The confrontation over the Epstein files was followed by a second clash, this time involving a question directed at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House visit.
The ABC reporter referenced the U.S. intelligence community’s assessment that the Saudi leader approved the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi:
“American intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist… why should Americans believe you?”
Before the Crown Prince could answer, Trump interjected, again criticizing the reporter.
“You don’t have to drive our guests crazy with a question like that,” he said, adding that the Crown Prince “didn’t know anything about this.”
The remark contradicted findings from the CIA during Trump’s own administration, which concluded the Saudi leader had approved the operation.
A Pattern of Press Tensions
The dual exchanges highlighted the continued strain between Trump and ABC News, an outlet he frequently criticizes. His comments fit a long-standing pattern of attacking media organizations he views as hostile, especially when confronted with questions about sensitive or controversial topics.
The ABC reporter remained composed throughout both confrontations, pressing on issues that have persisted for years: transparency surrounding Epstein-related documents and accountability in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
Both questions went unanswered.
curlycurlworld: Get Twisted with CurlyCurl: The Latest in Curls, Coils, and Confidence! 