Donald Trump has a long and documented history of insulting journalists, a pattern that has continued and escalated during his presidency. His rhetoric often targets reporters personally, professionally, and as a collective institution ("Enemy of the People").
Most recently, in November 2025, he drew significant attention for a series of specific, personal insults directed at female White House correspondents.
Recent Incidents (November 2025)
These insults occurred in response to questions about sensitive topics like his health, the Jeffrey Epstein files, and international relations.
* "Ugly, both inside and out" (Katie Rogers, New York Times):
After Rogers co-authored an article questioning Trump's energy levels and age, Trump attacked her on Truth Social, calling her a "third-rate reporter" and "ugly, both inside and out."
* "Quiet, Piggy" (Catherine Lucey, Bloomberg):
When Lucey attempted to ask a question about files related to Jeffrey Epstein aboard Air Force One, Trump pointed at her and snapped, "Quiet. Quiet, piggy."
* "Terrible Person" (Mary Bruce, ABC News):
During a meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince, Bruce asked about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump later berated her, calling her a "terrible person and a terrible reporter" and labeling her question "insubordinate."
Common Patterns of Insult
Trump's attacks on the press generally fall into four distinct categories.
1. Attacks on Physical Appearance
Trump frequently targets the physical appearance of journalists, a tactic he uses disproportionately against women.
* "Face of a pig": In addition to the recent "piggy" comment, he has historically used swine imagery to denigrate women.
* "Bleeding facelift": In a famous 2017 tweet, he attacked MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski, claiming she came to Mar-a-Lago bleeding from a facelift.
* "Blood coming out of her wherever": During the 2016 campaign, he made this comment about Megyn Kelly after she asked him tough questions during a debate.
2. Attacks on Intelligence
He often attempts to frame journalists as stupid or mentally unfit.
* "Low IQ": A favorite label, used repeatedly against Mika Brzezinski, Don Lemon, and Robert De Niro.
* "Dumb as a rock": Another insult frequently directed at Brzezinski.
* "Stupid": A common retort to questions he finds annoying or challenging.
3. Attacks on Professional Competence
Trump systematically attempts to delegitimize reporters to erode trust in their reporting.
* "Fake News": His catch-all term for any unfavorable coverage, which he has successfully branded onto major outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.
* "Enemy of the People": A severe label he applies to the mainstream press, framing them not just as biased, but as a danger to the country.
* "Third-rate reporter": Used to diminish the standing of correspondents like Katie Rogers.
4. Derogatory Nicknames
He often assigns branding nicknames to specific high-profile journalists:
* "Sleepy Eyes" Chuck Todd (NBC)
* "Crazy" Jim Acosta (CNN)
* "Little" George Stephanopoulos (ABC)
* "Fredo" Chris Cuomo (formerly CNN)
* "Cryin'" Chuck Schumer (though a politician, the style mirrors his media attacks)
Context of the Attacks
Analysts note that these insults often serve a strategic purpose: Deflection. By attacking the journalist personally (e.g., calling them "piggy" or "ugly"), the news cycle often shifts to focus on the insult itself rather than the substance of the question asked (e.g., the Epstein files or his health).
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