Donald Trump sharply criticized an ABC reporter after she questioned his priorities, asking about the war in Iran and rising gas prices while he highlighted his plans to renovate parts of Washington, D.C.
ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott engaged in a tense exchange with the president on May 8 when she asked why he was focusing on construction projects in the capital during an ongoing international conflict.
“With everything happening with Iran, why concentrate on these projects right now?” she asked before being interrupted.
Trump responded, “Because I want to keep our country beautiful and safe,” before launching into a more heated reply.
The interaction took place near the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump was presenting details of his proposed changes to the city. One of the projects includes repainting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, an effort estimated by White House staff to cost around $7.5 million.
At the same time, concerns remain about the Iran situation and increasing fuel prices across the country.
Trump argued that Washington, D.C. had become “filthy,” specifically pointing to the National Mall and its reflecting pool. He claimed cleanup crews removed “11 or 12 truckloads of garbage” from the area.
He then turned his criticism toward Scott, calling her question “stupid” and describing her as “one of the worst reporters,” while also accusing ABC of spreading “fake news.”
“Beauty helped build this country. The people made it great,” he added.
This is not the first time the two have clashed. Earlier in January, Trump criticized Scott again, saying she hadn’t asked a meaningful question in years.
The renovation plans are part of Trump’s broader effort to leave a lasting mark on the capital, though several of the proposals are facing legal challenges that could delay or block them.
During the same appearance, Trump was also asked about a proposed White House ballroom. He defended the project, saying it was related to safety needs.
While the ballroom itself is estimated to cost about $400 million, the total cost of associated upgrades has reportedly risen to as much as $1 billion.
“That includes other security-related improvements on the White House grounds,” Trump explained. “Not all of it is for the ballroom.”
He added that the ballroom portion would be privately funded.
“We’re covering the $400 million for that part ourselves,” he said. “I’m contributing along with other patriots who care about this country.”
Related posts: Donald Trump shares wild fitness routine claiming to work out ‘one minute a day max’
An unusual moment took place at the White House yesterday when Donald Trump joked about his own lack of athletic ability.
The U.S. president hosted several well-known athletes in the Oval Office on Tuesday (May 5) to mark the return of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Among those present were Bryson DeChambeau, Gary Player, Amani Oruwariye, and Noah Syndergaard.
At 79, Trump also welcomed a group of young aspiring athletes to discuss his plan to reintroduce fitness testing in schools.
“It’s a beautiful day to celebrate America’s athletic champions, traditions, and physical fitness,” he told the room. “The next few years will be a golden era for sports.”
As often happens, the conversation soon shifted toward himself—this time focusing on his own physical condition.
Anyone familiar with Trump’s public style knows he frequently highlights his own achievements, whether in politics, health claims, or business success. However, fitness is one area where he tends to poke fun at himself.
“I work very hard personally,” Trump said, before adding with a smile, “I exercise a lot—about one minute a day, at most. If I’m lucky.”
This isn’t the first time he has admitted to avoiding exercise. Back in 2017, he told The New Yorker that he viewed physical activity as somewhat unnecessary, suggesting people shouldn’t “overuse” their energy—aside from playing golf, which he enjoys.
He also mentioned in that interview that he doesn’t sleep much, saying he typically gets only three to four hours a night.
Trump’s well-known preference for McDonald’s has also been widely discussed. Speaking at a McDonald’s Impact Summit last year, he joked that his team often ate fast food after campaign events instead of the high-end catering many politicians prefer.
According to the 2017 book Let Trump Be Trump by Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie, his usual order included two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, and a chocolate milkshake.
He is also known for his fondness for Diet Coke, reportedly even installing a button on his Oval Office desk during his first term to request refills.
These habits have led to frequent questions about his health. Observers have noted recurring bruises on his hands and occasional skin irritation on his neck. Trump has attributed the bruising to firm handshakes, while his team has said it may be linked to aspirin use.
Regarding the rash, physician Sean Barbabella explained it was caused by a common topical treatment.
Last June, Trump was also seen with swollen ankles, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a circulation-related condition.
Despite ongoing public scrutiny, Barbabella stated that Trump remains in strong overall health following comprehensive medical evaluations at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
