Trump calls reporter 'obnoxious' for repeatedly yelling and speaking over him

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump engaged in a tense confrontation with White House correspondent Ebony McMorris during a Friday press briefing, repeatedly calling her “really obnoxious” after she pressed him on his plans for deploying the National Guard to Memphis.

McMorris, representing American Urban Radio Networks, attempted to ask Trump for specifics about the initiative, following similar deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

Trump calls out reporter after repeated interruptions in briefing

“When are you going to give details?” McMorris began, but Trump quickly interrupted, saying, “Quiet. You’re really obnoxious.”

The reporter insisted she was simply asking a question. “I’m not obnoxious, but I’m trying to ask you what about your plans for Memphis. Many people want to know what the numbers are going to be like. What are your plans for Memphis, Mr. President?”

Eventually, Trump replied, “You are really obnoxious. I’m not going to talk to you until I call on you,” and McMorris was not called on for the rest of the press briefing.

This was not the first instance of Trump clashing with journalists over pointed questions.

Trump announces National Guard deployment to Memphis to restore law and order

Trump’s exchange with McMorris came shortly after he signed an order establishing a new federal task force in Memphis, alongside Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. The initiative combines the National Guard, FBI, immigration authorities, US Marshals, and other law enforcement agencies to address crime in the city.

“It’s very important because of the crime that’s going on in many cities, not only in Memphis, and we’re going to take care of all of them,” Trump said, highlighting a step-by-step approach modeled after deployments in Washington, DC.

Reports suggest that National Guard troops in DC had previously been tasked with neighborhood beautification projects to justify their presence, raising questions about the deployment’s effectiveness and local reception.

Memphis Mayor Paul Young expressed frustration over the decision, noting he was not consulted and is “certainly not happy,” though he hopes to influence how soldiers will be utilized. “With regards to the National Guard, it is something that we don’t have a choice in, and we’re going to do all we can to ensure it has limited impact on our community,” Young told CNN.