Blog

Trump Clashes With Reporter Over Russia Question, Suggests Career Change

0 0 1 minute read

President Donald Trump confronted a Polish journalist during a White House press briefing on Wednesday, escalating tensions with the media. The exchange underscored Trump’s ongoing combative approach toward reporters questioning his policies.

Polish Radio correspondent Marek Walkuski asked why Trump has voiced frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin without taking concrete action. The question drew an immediate rebuke.

“How do you know there’s no action? Who are you with?” Trump responded. He pointed to new U.S. sanctions on India, one of Russia’s major oil buyers, arguing that the move was a direct measure against Moscow. “Would you say that putting secondary sanctions on India — the largest purchaser outside of China — would you say there was no action?” Trump added.

Trump highlighted that Washington had doubled tariffs on Indian oil imports from 25% to 50%. He claimed the decision was costing Russia “billions of dollars.” The president then told Walkuski, “I think you ought to get yourself a new job,” in response to the journalist’s framing of the issue.

Despite the remark, Walkuski said he welcomed the exchange. Speaking to The Hill, he explained, “I got a newsworthy answer to my question from the president of the United States, and that’s my job as a journalist. I’m grateful for his advice, but a career change is not forthcoming.”

The confrontation reflects Trump’s broader pattern of clashes with the press. Recently, he deflected a CNN reporter’s question about divisions within his base over Israel by criticizing the network’s coverage. “Do you ever ask a positive question at CNN?” Trump replied. “My supporters are more in love with me today than they were even at election time.”

Earlier this year, Trump dismissed a HuffPost reporter on Air Force One by questioning the outlet’s relevance. “I thought they died. Are they still around?” he remarked.

Trump has also turned to legal action against major news outlets. He has filed lawsuits against publications including The Wall Street Journal, targeting what he has described as false or defamatory reporting. Some of those cases have advanced in court.