Trump warns reporter for banging into walls of Air Force One: ‘Take it easy with that thing’

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND: President Donald Trump struck a reporter while taking questions aboard Air Force One on Tuesday night, December 9, as he traveled to Pennsylvania for his first public rally in months.

The president was headed to Mount Pocono to speak on the economy when the incident occurred, prompting questions about what the reporter did and how Trump responded. 

Trump bashes reporter while in flight on Air Force One

While aboard Air Force One, Trump took questions from a group of reporters. A livestream captured one reporter asking Trump, 79, whether he planned to hold another round of interviews this week for the Federal Reserve chair position. 

During the stream, an object repeatedly banged against the plane. Trump said he plans to consider a few candidates but teased that he already has a “pretty good idea” of whom he wants.

The president then turned his attention to the reporter making the noise and pointed a finger. “Hey, you're going to have to take it easy with that thing,” he scolded off-camera. “It's a government plane, but I like to take care of it.”

This exchange came just one day after Trump clashed with ABC reporter Rachel Scott on December 8 at the White House. Scott pressed him by asking, “Are you committing to releasing the whole video?” Trump, sounding irritated, shot back, “Didn’t I just tell you that?”

When Scott pointed out, “You said it was up to Secretary Hegseth,” Trump snapped, calling her “the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place” and adding, “You are an obnoxious — actually, a terrible reporter.” He continued, “It’s always the same thing with you. I told you, whatever Pete Hegseth wants to do is okay with me.”

Hilarious moment captured as Trump is aboard Air Force One

Just seconds later, Trump was unexpectedly bumped by a bathroom door aboard Air Force One. As he stood taking questions, someone inside opened the door, accidentally nudging him. “Oh, hello,” Trump said, prompting laughter from the reporters.

A Secret Service agent tried to exit the bathroom prematurely, briefly interrupting the press gaggle. Trump smiled as the door hit him, tapped it twice, and said, “Come on out!” creating a lighthearted moment.

Moments later, Trump stepped toward the reporters while the staffer quietly slipped out behind him. A nearby Secret Service agent could be seen laughing at the brief, humorous exchange.

The playful incident provided levity amid discussions of taxes and the economy as Trump continued to Mount Pocono to deliver remarks on falling energy prices and Pennsylvania’s recent achievements.

Trump gifts pilot a presidential challenge coin on birthday

Another viral moment unfolded as Trump returned to Washington after his Pennsylvania rally. White House Communications Advisor Margo Martin shared a video on December 9 following Trump’s rally-style speech at the Mount Airy Casino Resort.

The 14-second clip shows Trump surprising the Marine One pilot with a presidential challenge coin during the pilot’s birthday flight. The video captures the exchange inside the cockpit, illuminated by instrument lights and filled with smiles. Martin captioned the post: “President @realDonaldTrump heard it was the pilot’s birthday on Marine One and gave him his presidential challenge coin."

Presidential challenge coins, rooted in World War I military tradition, were originally used to verify unit members and build camaraderie. Today, receiving one represents a rare honor, often symbolizing presidential gratitude for exemplary service.