Trump Orders Federal Review of ABC News After Reporter Calls Him “Quiet, Piggy” During Epstein File Questioning With Saudi Crown Prince
In a dramatic escalation of the administration’s ongoing clashes with major media outlets, President Donald Trump has ordered a federal review into what the White House is calling “serious journalistic ethical violations” committed by ABC News. The decision follows a tense exchange during a press availability at the White House, where an ABC reporter allegedly told the president to “quiet, piggy” while pressing him about the unreleased Epstein file during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Incident That Triggered the Review
The confrontation occurred during a high-profile session meant to highlight new U.S.–Saudi cooperation initiatives. Instead, it became the latest flashpoint in the administration’s growing feud with mainstream media.
As Trump attempted to pivot away from a persistent question about why the Epstein case files remained sealed under his administration, the ABC reporter fired back, telling him to “quiet, piggy,” a remark that instantly sparked shock, disbelief, and immediate controversy both domestically and internationally.
Cameras captured the stunned reaction of officials in the room, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose expression reportedly shifted from surprise to discomfort as the exchange unfolded.
White House Response and Federal Action
Within hours, the White House announced that Trump had directed federal oversight agencies to open a formal review into ABC News’ editorial practices, conduct standards, and potential breaches of journalistic ethics. A senior administration official described the order as a “necessary step to protect the integrity of the presidency and the credibility of American journalism.”
Press Secretary Evelyn Hartley condemned the reporter’s remark as “an unprecedented act of hostility and disrespect during a diplomatic event involving a key U.S. ally.”
“The president was addressing a matter of national security,” Hartley stated. “To respond with insults, especially in front of a foreign leader, is beyond unprofessional—it is a breach of public trust.”
The review will reportedly examine:
ABC’s internal disciplinary standards The network’s protocol for journalist conduct during federal events Whether the remark constitutes an abuse of press privileges Potential violations of federal guidelines for accredited media
ABC News Responds
ABC News has not issued a full statement but confirmed that it is “reviewing the situation internally.” Network insiders, speaking anonymously, expressed concern about possible political retaliation, though others maintained that journalists must be free to question the president aggressively, even if tensions arise.
Media watchdog groups are divided, with some calling the reporter’s remark “unacceptable” and others accusing the Trump administration of attempting to intimidate a major news organization.
Diplomatic Ripple Effects
Diplomatic analysts noted that the incident drew unusual attention due to the presence of the Saudi crown prince, whose visit was intended to signal strengthened ties between Washington and Riyadh. Some experts say the moment underscored the volatility of U.S. domestic politics, even during formal international engagements.
A New Chapter in Trump vs. Media
The administration has previously criticized several networks for what it describes as biased coverage, but the ordered review of ABC marks one of the most aggressive actions yet. Some legal scholars argue the move could raise First Amendment questions, while supporters of the review say journalists should face accountability for behavior unbecoming of their profession.
For now, the incident has intensified an already heated battle between the Trump White House and some of the nation’s largest media institutions—one that shows no signs of cooling anytime soon.
