NEW YORK: President Donald Trump has publicly berated ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce, calling her a “terrible reporter” during a press interaction at the White House. This incident occurred after Bruce posed pointed questions regarding the business dealings of Trump’s family in Saudi Arabia and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence has linked to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During the Oval Office meeting with the Crown Prince, Bruce asked Trump if it was appropriate for his family to conduct business in Saudi Arabia while he was in office. She then directed a question to the Crown Prince, stating, “Your Royal Highness, the U.S. intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist. 9/11 families are furious that you are here in the Oval Office. Why should Americans trust you? And the same to you, Mr. President.”

In response, Trump dismissed the intelligence findings regarding Khashoggi’s murder, saying, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about.” He also defended his family's business operations in Saudi Arabia, labelling ABC as “fake news.”

Trump further criticized Bruce for her questioning style, stating, “It’s not the question that I mind; it’s your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter.” He expressed his belief that ABC’s broadcasting license should be reviewed, claiming the network is “97% negative to Trump.”

In a separate incident, Trump also referred to Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey as “piggy” during a question about Jeffrey Epstein’s correspondence, prompting a statement from Bloomberg defending its journalists. The network emphasized the importance of asking questions without fear or favour, highlighting their commitment to fair and accurate reporting.