Air Force One descended into turbulence of a different kind on Friday as President Donald Trump lashed out at Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, calling her “quiet, piggy” after she asked about the looming release of the Jeffrey Epstein files — a political storm that’s now threatening his own party.
The confrontation unfolded mid-flight when Lucey questioned Trump on bipartisan demands for the Department of Justice to release all remaining Epstein investigative documents. Trump reportedly waved a finger inches from her face before snapping:
“Quiet, quiet piggy!”
The moment was caught off-camera but heard clearly by surrounding press — and it wasn’t the last clash of the weekend.
Donald Trump erupts at a reporter aboard Air Force One after being pressed on the Epstein files.
A Second Blow-Up: “You Are the Worst!”
By Sunday, tensions were even higher. Speaking outside Air Force One, Trump began addressing Lucey’s question about Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes. When she attempted to clarify, Trump erupted again:
“Will you let me finish my statement? You are the worst! You’re with Bloomberg, right? You are the worst! I don’t know why they even have you.”
The outburst comes as Trump faces intense bipartisan pressure to support the release of all unclassified Epstein files — a political fight that has spiraled far beyond the press cabin.
Mounting Pressure Over Epstein Files
For months, the White House has resisted Congressional efforts to force full declassification of Epstein documents. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Democrats are using the issue as a “distraction” and blasted fellow Republicans for supporting the push, saying:
“Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap.”
Even his allies weren’t spared. Trump reportedly labeled Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a “traitor” over her pressure to release the files.
But as GOP votes began lining up with Democrats, Trump reversed course on Truth Social:
“We have nothing to hide… it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax.”
He has now vowed to sign any legislation requiring full file release — or issue an executive order himself.
A House vote is scheduled for Tuesday.
👉 Related: Epstein Files Bill Explained: How Congress Can Force the DOJ to Release Federal Records
What Would the Release of Epstein Files Actually Mean?
1. What Can Be Released?
Congress can force the release of unclassified Epstein-related documents from federal agencies. Classified material would require separate review or presidential action.
2. What About the President’s Power?
The President can, at any time, sign an executive order to declassify federal files connected to Epstein. That authority is broad but must still comply with federal privacy and national security laws.
3. What Happens After Release?
Documents typically go to:
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The House Oversight Committee
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The Senate
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Public online release through agency portals
Names of private individuals may be redacted if disclosure violates privacy or ongoing investigation standards.
4. Could This Impact Ongoing Cases?
Possibly — but most related criminal matters ended when Epstein died in 2019. Civil cases could still be influenced if new emails or communications reveal misconduct.
House Oversight: 23,000 Documents Already Released
Last week, House Republicans released more than 23,000 subpoenaed records from Epstein’s estate, including emails sent in the months leading up to his 2019 death in a New York jail.
Trump now says he supports full government transparency:
“We’ll give them everything… Let anybody look at it.”
Still, he insisted the scandal belongs to Democrats:
“It’s really a Democrat problem… and it’s a hoax.”
With tempers flaring, cameras rolling, and votes approaching, the political fight over the Epstein files is only intensifying — and Friday’s “quiet, piggy” moment may be remembered as the spark that lit the weekend’s firestorm.
