Trump faces scrutiny over clashes with female journalists on Epstein files

U.S. President Donald Trump is under intensified scrutiny from major U.S. news outlets following a series of confrontations with female journalists pressing him about recently released documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump’s remarks reflect a troubling pattern of dismissing press questions, especially from women, at the highest level of power.

In a widely covered 3 February Oval Office exchange, CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins asked Trump how he would respond to Epstein abuse survivors unhappy with redactions in the files.

Trump cut her off, called her CNN’s “worst reporter,” and remarked that he had “never seen you smile,” shifting to personal attacks rather than addressing the question. CNN defended Collins’ professionalism following the remarks.

The latest incident follows earlier outbursts, including Trump calling a Bloomberg reporter a “quiet, piggy” during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One when she asked about the Epstein files, and disparaging an ABC News journalist by suggesting her network should lose its broadcast license after a pointed question.

These interactions have drawn significant domestic backlash, with commentators describing the pattern of language, such as “ugly,” “stupid,” and “piggy,” as reflective of broader concerns about media freedom and respect for journalists, particularly women.

Trump’s team has defended his remarks as candid responses to what they characterize as hostile questions.