Donald Trump delivered a savage insult to a journalist after being questioned during a Capitol Hill press conference.
On Monday (May 20), the 47th President of the United States was taking questions following the unveiling of his proposed trillion-dollar tax bill, which aims to raise the cap on Trump’s 2017 tax cuts from $10,000 to $30,000 for Americans earning under $400,000 a year.
While the 78-year-old has branded it a “big, beautiful bill,” the proposal has faced backlash from all sides, including conservative hardliners.
During the press conference, Trump was asked to respond to comments from Rep. Andy Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, who claimed they were “still a long ways away” from reaching an agreement on the bill.
A journalist asked, “Andy Harris said that you didn’t adequately convince enough people to vote for the bill?”
The president immediately demanded to know which publication the reporter represented.
When the reporter answered, “NOTUS” - short for News of the United States and founded by Politico’s former publisher Robert Albritton - Trump sneered, “Who? I don't even know what the hell that is. Get yourself a real job.”
Trump’s remark has since gone viral, with millions reacting online. "savage," one person reacted, while another said: "Trump just ended that reporter’s career in one sentence."
However, others did not find his comment funny. "It's amazing how many people get a kick out of a joke made by an asshole," one user said.
A second chimed in: "Trump’s dismissal of the NOTUS reporter shows his contempt for smaller media outlets. It’s a petty jab that undermines press freedom and distracts from real issues. He should engage with questions, not mock journalists’ jobs."
Despite the fiery comment at the reporter, Trump struck a surprisingly compassionate tone elsewhere this week.
Following the announcement that President Joe Biden had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Trump offered rare words of empathy.
“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Biden’s spokesperson confirmed the diagnosis over the weekend: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
Though aggressive, the cancer is hormone-sensitive and considered manageable. The news prompted reactions across party lines. Senator Susan Collins of Maine said she was “saddened” and wished Biden well, while Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina added, “Praying for his full recovery.”
Even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed sympathy, saying: “I was sorry to see this news. Cancer is truly awful. My Dad passed away in 2021 with cancer. Prays for Joe Biden and his family.”
The diagnosis comes as Biden remains largely out of the public eye since withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race following a frail debate performance in June 2023.
The 81-year-old’s condition has reignited public debate about the age and health of political leaders, especially with Trump, now 78, poised to become the oldest-serving president if he completes a full term.