Trump Calls ABC’s Rachel Scott “Most Obnoxious Reporter” After She Demands Boat-Strike Video
Washington — President Trump lashed out at ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott during a White House roundtable on December 8, calling her “the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place” and “a terrible reporter.” Scott had asked whether Trump would commit to releasing full video from a September 2 U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat.
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Just five days earlier, on December 3, Trump told another reporter he had “no problem” releasing whatever footage the government had. But on Monday he denied ever making that promise, said the decision rested with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and repeatedly rebuked Scott for pressing him. “You said that. I didn’t say that … this is ABC ‘Fake News,’” he said. After Scott repeated his prior vow, Trump responded: “You are the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place … actually a terrible reporter … whatever Pete Hegseth wants to do is OK with me.”
The disputed footage stems from a strike in which U.S. forces fired a second missile at a vessel reportedly already damaged — killing survivors attempting to escape. Critics say the “double-tap” strike violates international law.
Mixed signals from the White House — first offering transparency, then denying responsibility — have drawn sharp media and congressional scrutiny. The incident adds to recent tensions between Trump’s administration and female journalists, whose tough questions he’s repeatedly answered with insults.
What happens next: Congressional leaders are already demanding unedited footage. Whether it is released — and whether Trump’s media strategy shifts — remains a key flashpoint.