Trump accused of making explicit remark about female reporter in hot mic moment

Donald Trump has been accused of making an explicit remark about a female reporter after a tense exchange at the National Mall took a seriously awkward turn.

The US President had made a surprise visit to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which is currently being resurfaced as part of work to deal with water leakage, dirt and stains ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this summer.

The visit started with Trump praising the ‘good-looking’ crew working on the project, before ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott asked why the renovation was being prioritised against the backdrop of the Iran war and rising gas prices.

Scott asked: “Mr. President, you are here against the backdrop of the war in Iran. Why focus on all these projects right now? We’re still seeing gas prices soaring?”

Trump cut in and replied: “You know why? Because I want to keep our country beautiful and safe. Beautiful also."

However, the moment that has since sparked attention came a little later, when Trump was turning away from reporters and heading back towards the presidential limousine.

He appeared to gesture toward Scott, shook his head, smirked, and made a comment that microphones reportedly failed to pick up clearly.

However, there has since been online speculation that Trump appeared to use the word ‘b***h’ in reference to Scott.

Before that moment, the exchange had already become heated as Trump defended the renovation work and spoke about the state of the reflecting pool.

He said: “You probably don’t see dirt,” before adding: “But I do.”

The president then turned his attention directly towards Scott, saying: “That’s such a stupid question that you asked. We’re fixing up the reflecting pond to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and you say, ‘Why are you fixing it up?’

"Because you can understand dirt, maybe, better than I can, but I don’t allow it."

The comments did not stop there, as Trump then spoke to those working on the project and criticised the reporter further.

He said: “This is one of the worst reporters... She’s with ABC fake news, and she’s a horror show. She’s saying, ‘Why would you bother fixing this up?’ Why would I bother taking 11 or 12 truckloads of filth out of the water in front of the Lincoln monument?”

Trump later called this same reporter, Rachel Scott of ABC, a “bitch” pic.twitter.com/x9ZVXvux5V https://t.co/NlTcp5smWo

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 8, 2026

He then said: “That’s what made our country great. Beauty made our country. People made our country great. A question like that is a disgrace to our country.”

Reports also state that Trump was flanked by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at the time, with border czar Tom Homan also nearby.

Scott has not publicly commented on the alleged hot mic remark, but recapped on X what she had asked and how Trump responded.

The Daily Beast had reached out to White House, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Interior about what Trump said, but has currently not received a response.