Karoline Leavitt defends Trump’s ‘piggy’ remark to reporter: ‘President is very frank and honest’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s controversial comment, in which he referred to a Bloomberg reporter as “Piggy,” was vehemently defended by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during the White House press briefing on Thursday, November 20. She argued that the remark was more a reflection of his open and honest style than an act of disrespect.

Leavitt told the press corps that, unlike previous administrations, Trump “calls out fake news” and does not hide behind pleasantries, one of the main reasons, she said, that Americans re-elected him.

Karoline Leavitt defends Trump’s ‘piggy’ remark amid growing backlash

Natalie Allison of The Washington Post questioned Karoline Leavitt about the precise meaning of President Donald Trump’s “piggy” remark directed at journalist Catherine Lucey during Thursday’s press briefing.

The “piggy” comment, made to Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, intensified criticism of Trump’s interactions with the press. The exchange took place on Air Force One after Trump said, “Quiet,” in response to Lucey’s repeated questions about files connected to Epstein. “Quiet, piggy,” was the remark that drew widespread criticism.

In response, Leavitt emphasized that the president is “very frank and honest with everyone in this room,” adding that many Americans trusted him enough to vote for him again because of his direct approach.

Leavitt argued that Trump’s frustration often stems from instances in which reporters misrepresent him. She maintained that he is not only transparent but also strongly committed to giving the media “unprecedented access.”   

Karoline Leavitt claims Trump treated the press better than his predecessors

Leavitt did not hesitate to criticize the Joe Biden administration. She said that Trump is more respectful than what she referred to as the “last administration,” which she claimed would “lie to your face and then not speak to you for weeks,” whereas Trump is “open to your faces,” even when he is furious.

She urged the media to “appreciate the frankness and the openness” they receive from Trump “on a near-daily basis.”

The Biden administration preceding Trump has been criticized multiple times for its limited record on press freedom and its infrequent engagement with reporters during briefings. The former president held only a rare single press conference in the first year of his term.

Leavitt maintained that Trump is more direct and honest, arguing that his interactions with the press are more realistic and available when needed, remarks offered as part of her defense of his “piggy” comment.