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Donald Trump speaking at the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland. Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Donald Trump ignited a new wave of backlash aboard Air Force One after snapping at Bloomberg reporter Jennifer Jacobs and calling her 'quiet, piggy' when she questioned him about the newly released Epstein files.

The remark was captured on video and spread rapidly online, drawing criticism from journalists and political commentators. According to 9News' report on Trump calling a reporter 'piggy', Jacobs attempted to ask about emails indicating Epstein claimed Trump 'knew about the girls' Ghislaine Maxwell recruited. Instead of answering, Trump leaned forward, pointed at her and shouted: 'Quiet. Quiet, piggy.'

The insult reflected a familiar dynamic. Trump often responds most aggressively when pressed on sensitive topics, and the resurfaced Epstein documents placed him under renewed scrutiny. His sharp reaction suggested more than irritation. It appeared to reveal a calculated choice aligned with his public persona.

A Pattern Rooted in Power and Dominance

Experts believe Trump's behaviour is not impulsive but strategic. In an analysis published by The Mirror, criminologist and psychologist Alex Iszatt said Trump's background and worldview create a mindset where dominance and humiliation function as tools.

She explained that his upbringing in a culture where misogyny was normalised shaped his treatment of women. The pattern shows in how he categorises them as either trophies that elevate his image or tools he can insult or discard.

This framework helps explain his outbursts. When a woman challenges him, he often responds by attacking her appearance, body or voice. Iszatt said Trump sees these insults as weapons, designed to reassert control and put the other person 'back in their place.' Jacobs' question touched a vulnerable area, which made the insult even more forceful.

Why the 'Piggy' Remark Fit Trump's Style

Body language expert Judi James also explored Trump's instinctive use of visually driven insults. In the Mirror interview, she noted that Trump relies heavily on visual language, using words like 'beautiful' as his highest form of praise. When he attacks, he switches to visual insults, often tied to appearance or demeanour. Calling Jacobs 'piggy' fits directly into this habit, reinforcing his tendency to communicate through imagery.

This behaviour has shaped his public identity for decades. Whether on reality TV or during debates, Trump frames personal attacks as markers of strength. His supporters interpret the refusal to self-censor as proof of authenticity, even when the insults provoke criticism outside his base.

Trump's History of Targeting Women

Trump's insult toward Jacobs is only one example in a long trajectory of degrading remarks about women. The Mirror's report highlights multiple incidents where Trump used sexualised language, mocked women's bodies or weaponised their insecurities. From commenting on Hillary Clinton's marriage to objectifying his own daughter in interviews, his interactions show a consistent pattern linked to power and status.

Donald Trump
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Former staff, including Louise Sunshine, have described how Trump used body-shaming as a method of professional control. These behaviours reinforce the idea that calling Jacobs 'piggy' was part of a much larger behavioural framework rather than a spontaneous reaction.

Why This Moment Matters

The exchange occurred at a volatile moment. Trump was resisting calls to release Epstein files and facing renewed pressure over his own appearances in Epstein-related documents. Journalists questioned the apparent contradictions in his statements. The sudden insult functioned as a deflection, a tactic he has used repeatedly when pressed on sensitive issues.

However, the backlash was immediate. Bloomberg defended Jacobs, while media figures condemned the remark as degrading and unprofessional. Critics argued that the insult undermined democratic accountability by attacking a journalist for asking a question of public interest.

Trump's response reveals how he navigates scrutiny, reinforcing dominance while signalling to supporters that he refuses to be constrained by political norms. The remark toward Jennifer Jacobs now joins a long list of moments that define his public behaviour and the way he addresses women who challenge his authority.