Trump Responds to Female Reporter's Iran Question With Rude Gesture

The 79-year-old president made sure he didn't have to answer any pesky questions.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:05am

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A photorealistic painting of a reporter's microphone and notebook on a desk in the Oval Office, with warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The dismissive hand gesture from the president towards a female reporter highlights the ongoing challenges women in the media face when trying to hold powerful men accountable.Washington Today

President Donald Trump found a new way to insult the women of the White House press corps at an event on Saturday. As his press conference in the Oval Office was wrapping up, a reporter from CBS News asked about developments in the Strait of Hormuz. As an aide tried to silence the question, Trump made a brief, dismissive hand gesture, signaling he wanted the reporter, Olivia Rinaldi, gone.

Why it matters

This exchange follows several past interactions that have drawn criticism, causing many to accuse Trump of having a certain amount of disdain for female reporters. Trump has a history of making inappropriate comments and gestures towards female journalists who ask him questions he doesn't want to answer.

The details

In October 2025, Trump told another reporter he liked watching her lips move, but refused to answer her question. In Nov. 2025, he responded to a reporter asking about his association with notorious pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein by saying, 'Quiet, quiet, piggy.' Earlier this year, Trump also made personal remarks to CNN's Kaitlan Collins, commenting on her demeanor.

  • The incident occurred on April 18, 2026 during a press conference in the Oval Office.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States who has a history of making inappropriate comments and gestures towards female journalists.

Olivia Rinaldi

A reporter from CBS News who asked President Trump a question about developments in the Strait of Hormuz, which prompted his rude hand gesture.

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What they’re saying

“I just like to watch her talk”

— Donald Trump, President

“Quiet, quiet, piggy”

— Donald Trump, President

“She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile”

— Donald Trump, President

The takeaway

This incident further highlights President Trump's long-standing pattern of disrespecting and demeaning female journalists who dare to question him, underscoring the ongoing challenges women in the media face in trying to hold powerful men accountable.