Florida Republican Defends President's Controversial Remarks
Representative Maria Salazar, a Republican from Florida, appeared to validate President Donald Trump's expressed concerns about his afterlife destination while defending his decision to call a female journalist "piggy." The incident occurred aboard Air Force One last Friday when Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey attempted to question the president about the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump abruptly cut off Lucey with the words: "Quiet. Quiet, piggy," creating immediate controversy that has since drawn responses from both the White House and the journalist's employer.
Former Journalist Turns Lawmaker Weighs In
The situation gained additional attention when Salazar, who previously worked as a journalist herself, was questioned about Trump's comments during a CNN interview with Jake Tapper on Tuesday. Rather than condemning the president's language, Salazar characterized Trump as a "different type of politician" and stated she prefers to "look at his policies and not at his personality."
In a notable theological reference, Salazar added: "No one is perfect. Those who are perfect are in heaven," seemingly echoing Trump's own recent expressions of doubt about his celestial destination. The 79-year-old president had remarked in October that "I think I'm not maybe heaven-bound" and noted in August that he was "really at the bottom of the totem pole" regarding his afterlife prospects.
White House and Media Outlet Respond
The White House administration defended the president's comments by asserting that Lucey had "behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way toward her colleagues on the plane." An official statement emphasized that "If you're going to give it, you have to be able to take it," suggesting the journalist deserved the treatment she received.
Bloomberg News responded through an official spokesperson, stating that their White House journalists "perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor" and that the organization "remain focused on reporting issues of public interest fairly and accurately."
This incident represents another chapter in Trump's frequently contentious relationship with the media. On the same Tuesday that Salazar defended him, Trump attacked ABC News chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce, calling her a "terrible reporter" for questioning him about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Meanwhile, Salazar shifted the conversation during her CNN appearance to emphasize Trump's immigration policies, arguing that the president is uniquely positioned to address border security concerns. The Florida congresswoman's defense highlights the ongoing tension between Trump's unconventional communication style and his policy priorities that continue to resonate with his political allies.
