Trump Moves to Sanction ABC News After Reporter Calls Him “Quiet Piggy” During Heated Epstein File Exchange at Saudi Crown Prince Visit
In a stunning escalation of tensions between the White House and the press, President Donald Trump has announced plans to pursue formal sanctions against ABC News after one of its reporters allegedly called him “quiet piggy” during a chaotic exchange about the unreleased Epstein file.
The incident unfolded during the Saudi Crown Prince’s high-profile visit to Washington, an event that was meant to highlight diplomatic cooperation and new economic agreements. Instead, the moment derailed into international spectacle after the insult—captured on several cameras—rapidly spread across social media.
The Confrontation
According to multiple witnesses inside the East Room, the confrontation began when an ABC News correspondent pressed President Trump on why the Epstein file remained undisclosed despite mounting public pressure and recent legal challenges.
As the president attempted to move to the next question, the reporter repeated:
“Mr. President, why won’t you answer? Quiet piggy, just answer the question!”
Gasps reportedly rippled across the room, including from members of the Saudi delegation, who appeared visibly startled. Security briefly approached the reporter but did not remove him.
The president, irritated and momentarily speechless, shot back:
“This is disgusting. Absolutely disgraceful. You’ll be hearing from us.”
The event quickly imploded, with aides rushing to steer the conversation back to diplomatic matters, while the crown prince looked on with a stiff, uneasy expression.
White House Announces Push for Sanctions
Hours later, Press Secretary Haley Granger confirmed the administration is preparing a formal package of punitive measures targeting ABC News. While the White House did not specify the nature of the sanctions, insiders say they may include:
Restrictions on ABC reporters’ access to White House briefings Suspension of ABC’s press credentials pending investigation A federal review of the network’s journalistic “ethical violations” Calls for congressional hearings on media conduct
Granger described the reporter’s comment as “one of the most appalling breaches of press professionalism in modern history.”
She added:
“The President will not tolerate disrespect, especially during a diplomatic event with a key partner nation.”
ABC News Responds
ABC News has not issued a full statement but acknowledged the incident and confirmed the reporter has been placed under internal review. A spokesperson described the comment as “unacceptable if verified,” but also criticized the White House’s reaction as “extreme and politically motivated.”
International Fallout
Saudi officials have not publicly commented, but diplomatic analysts say the outburst overshadowed the visit, distracting from planned announcements on defense cooperation, oil supply agreements, and strategic investments.
One foreign policy expert noted:
“This moment will be remembered more for a reporter calling the U.S. president ‘quiet piggy’ than for anything the visit accomplished.”
Political and Media Repercussions
The broader media landscape has erupted into debate, with several networks calling the White House’s response an attempt to bully the press, while conservative commentators praised Trump for standing up to what they describe as “media disrespect.”
Members of Congress are split, with some Republicans supporting sanctions and several Democrats warning that Trump is using the insult as a premise to attack press freedoms.
What Happens Next
The White House is expected to submit its sanctions proposal within days, while ABC News is bracing for what could become one of the most intense media-government battles of Trump’s presidency.
Meanwhile, the “quiet piggy” clip continues to go viral, generating millions of views and thousands of memes—ensuring the moment remains at the center of public debate for days to come.
