The exchange in the Oval Office

On Tuesday, 20 October, Donald Trump repeatedly interrupted Andrew Feinberg, The Independent's White House correspondent, during a press question session in the Oval Office. Feinberg had begun by referring to golf courses owned by the president, and Trump told him to wait. When the reporter intervened again, Trump raised his voice and told him to be quiet twice. According to several outlets, Trump then asked him what was wrong with him and whether he was a sick person.

“Quiet. Quiet! What's wrong with you?”

Feinberg answered that, as far as he knew, he was not sick. In a later article he wrote that he had recently passed his annual medical check-up without problems and that he was simply doing his job.

Questions about the golf course plans

Feinberg's question concerned planned changes to East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., including a new golf course. Trump's reaction came while he and other officials were unveiling a program that pays people who report suspected fraud in government. Reporting describes the event as a fraud whistleblower fund of $25 million, with tips leading to successful prosecutions eligible for financial rewards.

Vance joins in

Vice President JD Vance shared a recording of the exchange on X and mocked the reporter, calling him an imbecile and saying Trump had put him in his place. Feinberg replied that if Vance wanted to insult him, he should have the courage to tag his account in the post.

A pattern of clashes with reporters

Trump has repeatedly clashed verbally with journalists during his first term and his current administration. In November 2025 he told Bloomberg's Catherine Lucey to be quiet, calling her piggy, after she asked about documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. In May 2026 he called MS NOW's Akayla Gardner stupid when she asked about cost overruns on a planned White House ballroom. In November 2025 he also called ABC News's Mary Bruce a terrible journalist after she asked Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.

Reporters' reaction

Feinberg wrote that he had decided to ask his own questions at the event rather than follow the list he had prepared with colleagues. He said he would return to the White House the following day. Reporting also notes that restrictions on access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists were announced in September.