Trump Criticizes Reporter Over Ballroom Renovation Budget Question on South Lawn
President Donald Trump responded to a reporter questioning the cost of his planned ballroom expansion by saying "I doubled the size of it you dumb person." The May 12, 2026 exchange is the latest in a series of confrontations with female journalists dating to late 2025. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
NewsweekPresident Donald Trump insulted a female reporter during a White House South Lawn press exchange on May 12 2026 after she questioned the budget increase for his planned ballroom project. As the president explained that he had doubled the size of the ballroom, the reporter asked about the budget increase. ” Both moments were captured on video and widely shared online.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment. The latest confrontation fits a series of clashes between Trump and female reporters since late 2025. On May 7 2026, Trump lashed out at ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott during a visit to the Lincoln Memorial.
He called her question “stupid” and described her as “one of the worst reporters” after she asked why he was focusing on renovation projects amid the Iran war and rising gas prices. In February 2026, Trump clashed with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during a White House exchange. He told her: “You are the worst reporter...
The day after the Katie Rogers post, CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes was confronted at Mar-a-Lago when she questioned Trump. ” The group noted that such public attacks can trigger online abuse and place reporters under additional pressure. Trump’s confrontations with the press extend beyond female reporters.
He has repeatedly labeled coverage “fake news” and clashed with journalists from a range of outlets regardless of gender. Observers have noted that some exchanges with female reporters have included comments about appearance, personality or demeanor.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-05-12
Trump insults two female reporters on White House South Lawn after ballroom budget question, saying “I doubled the size of it you dumb person” and calling another “a stupid person.”
1 sourceNewsweek - 2026-05-07
Trump calls ABC’s Rachel Scott’s question “stupid” and labels her “one of the worst reporters” at Lincoln Memorial event.
1 sourceNewsweek - 2026-03
Trump calls a female reporter a “very obnoxious person” during Air Force One press gaggle.
1 sourceNewsweek - 2026-02
Trump tells CNN’s Kaitlan Collins “You are the worst reporter... I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile.”
1 sourceNewsweek - 2025-11
Trump calls Mary Bruce a “terrible person and a terrible reporter,” tells Catherine Lucey “Quiet, quiet piggy,” labels Katie Rogers “ugly, both inside and out,” and asks Nancy Cordes “Are you stupid?”
1 sourceNewsweek - 2025-Late
International Women’s Media Foundation warns of a “pattern of targeting and harassing women journalists.”
1 sourceNewsweek
Potential Impact
- 01
White House received direct email inquiry from Newsweek seeking comment on the latest incident.
- 02
Video of the May 12 2026 South Lawn exchange was widely shared online, increasing visibility of the remarks.
- 03
Press freedom group warning in late 2025 highlighted potential for online abuse and added pressure on women journalists.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
Al JazeeraTrump Meets Advisers to Decide on Iran Ceasefire Extension
President Trump said he is holding a Situation Room meeting to make a final decision on a possible deal with Iran. The proposed agreement would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
rediff.comTrump to Decide on Iran Deal in Situation Room Meeting
President Trump said Friday he is heading into the Situation Room to make a final determination on a potential agreement with Iran. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and require destruction of Iran's highly-enriched uranium.
realitytea.comTrump Says U.S. Will Lift Iran Naval Blockade After Nuclear and Hormuz Pledges
President Trump stated the U.S. will end its naval blockade of Iran once Tehran commits to forgoing nuclear weapons and opens the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping. The announcement came via Truth Social and a live statement.