On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed Donald Trump flipping out at a reporter on Air Force One in his latest media clash.
Trump lashed out at a Wall Street Journal reporter
On X platform, a user who goes by @Acyn shared a video shoowing Trump lashed out at a Wall Street Journal reporter over a question about Russia-Ukraine peace talks
The outburst was triggered by a question regarding Trump’s ongoing backchannel talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine conflict and possible peace negotiations.
Trump, now in his second term, immediately asked the journalist which media outlet they represented.
This move is something he has used often. It allows him to criticize mainstream media coverage.”
Trump asked which outlet the reporter worked for. Upon learning the reporter worked for The Wall Street Journal, Trump launched into a verbal attack. He denounced the publication as biased and ‘rotten.
The president slammed the Wall Street Journal
He said: “That’s what I thought. Boy, you people treat us so badly. Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell. Go ahead, yeah. Rotten newspaper. You hear me? What I said? It’s a rotten newspaper.”
Additionally, he also dismissed the question without providing a response.
Trump also continued venting about the outlet’s editorial stance, saying it was “bad for this country” and “China-oriented.”
Trump then turned away, refusing to engage further, and took a question from a different journalist, shutting down any serious inquiry from the Journal.
“I wouldn’t tell The Wall Street Journal because it’d be wasting my time. There are talks, but I don’t want to talk to The Wall Street Journal. Look, Wall Street Journal is China-oriented and they’re really bad for this country.”Trump added.
The confrontation adds to Trump’s rocky history with other conservative media
Although The Wall Street Journal has long leaned conservative, it has recently criticized Trump’s second-term policies, especially on trade and foreign affairs.
The newspaper labeled his aggressive tariffs as ‘The Dumbest Trade War in History.’ This critique infuriated Trump and strained his relationship with Murdoch-owned outlets.
Despite often benefiting from conservative media platforms, Trump has increasingly clashed with them. This happens when coverage veers away from unconditional support or questions his decision-making.
While, media observers say these confrontations are part of a broader strategy to delegitimize tough questions.
They also aim to control the narrative around Trump’s international dealings.
Critics argue his attacks on the press create a chilling effect on free speech.
Additionally, they weaken accountability for leaders in high office.