Trump erupts at 'jerk' NBC reporter over Qatar jet query in fiery Oval Office exchange: 'Get out of here'

Trump lashed out at NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander during a joint appearance with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
PUBLISHED MAY 22, 2025
Trump snapped at NBC’s Peter Alexander while meeting the South African president in the Oval Office (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Trump snapped at NBC’s Peter Alexander while meeting the South African president in the Oval Office (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: A routine press availability in the Oval Office turned into a fiery exchange on Wednesday, May 21 as President Donald Trump lashed out at NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander during a joint appearance with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The confrontation began when Alexander pressed Trump about his administration’s decision to welcome White South African “Afrikaner” refugees while revoking protections for groups such as Afghans, Haitians, and Venezuelans, reports Mediaite.



 

Trump explodes at NBC reporter during Oval office press clash

“Well, This is a group, NBC, that is truly fake news,” Trump snapped, dismissing the question. “They ask a lot of questions in a very pointed way. They’re not questions, they’re statements.”

The clash intensified when Alexander later asked about a controversial Qatari luxury jet being accepted by the US government for use as Air Force One.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Peter Alexander (@peteralexandertv)


 

“What are you talking about? You know, you need to get out of here! What does this have to do with the Qatari jet? They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet, okay? And it’s a great thing. We’re talking about a lot of other things,” Trump shouted.

“You are a terrible reporter. Number one, you don’t have what it takes to be a reporter. You’re not smart enough.”

 Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian Party National Convention at the Washington Hilton on May 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. Trump addressed the convention one day after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate for president. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian Party National Convention at the Washington Hilton on May 25, 2024 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump then shifted his fury toward NBC at large, invoking the network’s leadership by name and accusing them of being “a disgrace” to journalism.

“Go back to your studio at NBC,” he said. “Brian Roberts and the people that run that place, they ought to be investigated.”

The president’s remarks drew gasps from some in the room, especially when he repeatedly barked “Quiet! Quiet! Quiet!” in an attempt to silence Alexander.

Before ending the Q&A, Trump made sure to punctuate his point, “His name is Peter Something. He’s a terrible reporter. No more questions from you.”

Later on, Trump circled back and didn’t hold back, he labeled Alexander both “an idiot” and “a jerk.”

Internet reacts after Trump brands NBC journalist Peter Alexander a 'terrible reporter'

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks before signing an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration and co-founder of the World Wrestling Entertainment, to shrink the $100 billion department, which cannot be dissolved without Congressional approval. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivers remarks before signing an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the Education Department during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20, 2025 in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump once again made headlines and sparked a social media storm after publicly lashing out at NBC's Peter Alexander, calling him a “terrible reporter” during a heated exchange.

The moment, which unfolded during a press event, quickly went viral and drew sharp reactions online.

Critics of Trump seized on the moment as further evidence of his hostility toward the press and sensitivity to scrutiny. A user commented, “Talk about disgrace. Hasn't looked in the mirror lately has he?”



 

“Trump doesn’t like being questioned about the bribes he takes,” one user wrote.



 

“LOL! Hit a nerve there. Trump hates it when people tell the truth,” another added.



 

Many users suggested Trump’s outburst was part of a broader pattern. “Everyone who challenges or just disagrees with him 'should be investigated'. He’s desperate to be a dictator,” one commenter said.



 

“He’s such a petty little man. Can’t take a simple question from a reporter without having a tizzy fit,” another added.



 

Some encouraged more accountability journalism, “You can tell this really gets under his skin. Keep it up, folks!”



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

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