Trump's Outburst at Reporter Over Gas Prices and Washington Projects Sparks Controversy

President Donald Trump lashed out at a Black female reporter on Thursday after she questioned his focus on expensive Washington vanity projects while Americans struggle with record-high gas prices.

The confrontation occurred during a press event in Washington, D.C., where ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott asked Trump why he was prioritizing such projects amid escalating fuel costs.

"Mr. President, you are here against the backdrop of war in Iran. Why focus on all these projects right now when gas prices soar?"

Trump responded by defending his initiatives, stating, "Because I want to keep our country beautiful and safe. Beautiful also."

The 79-year-old president then criticized the condition of Washington’s landmarks, claiming the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool were "disgusting" and covered in dirt. He estimated cleaning them would cost around $2 million.

"You probably don’t see dirt, but I do. And that’s not what our country is about. Our country is about beauty, cleanliness, safety, great people. Not a filthy capital."

Trump dismissed Scott’s question as "such a stupid question," adding, "We are fixing up the Reflecting Pond at the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, and you say, ‘Why are you fixing it up?’ Because you can understand dirt, baby, better than I can, but I don’t allow it."

He further attacked the reporter, calling her a "horror show" and accusing her of working for ABC Fake News. Trump also mocked her by misstating the name of the Lincoln Memorial as the "Lincoln Monument" while addressing his entourage.

"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? A question like that is a disgrace to our country."

Rachel Scott’s exchange with Trump was later shared on social media by journalist Acyn, who posted a clip with the caption: Reporter: Why focus on all these projects as gas prices are soaring? Trump: Such a stupid question. You can understand dirt better than I can baby but I don’t allow it.

Meanwhile, Trump is advancing several controversial projects in Washington, including:

• Triumphal Arc: A new structure being built, which involves demolishing 13 historic buildings on the grounds of the former St. Elizabeths Hospital to expand facilities for the Department of Homeland Security.
• 90,000-square-foot ballroom: A lavish project initially promised to cost taxpayers no more than $200 million and be fully funded by private donations. Current estimates suggest it will exceed $1 billion.

These projects coincide with soaring gas prices, driven by the ongoing war with Iran. According to initial estimates by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the conflict is costing the U.S. approximately $1 billion per day.

As of Thursday, the average national gas price reached $4.54 per gallon, according to AAA’s price tracker. In some areas, such as Mono County, California, fuel costs exceed $7 per gallon—about 50% higher than pre-war levels.