Trump's Controversial Remarks to ABC News Correspondent Go Viral
Viral Incident at Lincoln Memorial
A recent video from a press event on May 8, 2026, has gained significant attention after President Donald Trump seemingly referred to ABC News reporter Rachel Scott with a derogatory term while departing from a group of journalists. This incident took place near the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump was discussing various renovation efforts, including updates to the Reflecting Pool. When Scott questioned him about prioritizing these projects amid rising gas prices affecting American families due to tensions with Iran, Trump reacted defensively, labeling her inquiry as 'stupid' and stating, 'You can understand dirt better than I can, baby, but I don’t allow it.' He further criticized her as 'one of the worst reporters' and a 'horror show' from 'ABC fake news.'
As he walked towards his motorcade, the footage shows Trump gesturing towards Scott and seemingly uttering the word 'bitch.' Although the audio is not entirely clear, several lip readers have confirmed that his mouth movements align with that word.
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Rapid Online Spread
The clip was first shared by journalist Aaron Rupar on X, where it quickly amassed millions of views. The incident has since been widely circulated on social media, igniting heated discussions.
Divided Reactions
Critics have denounced Trump's comment as unpresidential and misogynistic, particularly given that it was directed at a Black female journalist. Many view this as another instance of Trump's history of using harsh language towards reporters, especially women. Conversely, Trump's supporters have largely brushed off the controversy, with some claiming that the lip-reading interpretation is speculative, while others argue that it reflects Trump's typical response to what he perceives as unfair questioning.
As of Friday evening, Rachel Scott had not publicly addressed the incident.
Ongoing Tensions with the Press
This exchange exemplifies the ongoing friction between Trump and the media. Throughout his political journey, Trump has often clashed with journalists, frequently calling out specific news outlets and individuals during rallies and press conferences. This latest incident arises as Trump faces various challenges, including escalating energy costs, the situation in the Middle East, and continued scrutiny of his administration's focus. The complete unedited video of the press interaction remains widely shared online.