Full Breakdown
Donald Trump’s Controversial Remarks at Thanksgiving Press Conference
11/28/2025, 6:00:22 AM
Incident Overview
During a media conference on November 27, 2025, at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with a female reporter regarding the D.C. shootings and the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan man who had been granted asylum in the United States. Trump, 79, expressed anger when questioned about the vetting process for Afghan evacuees, leading to a series of derogatory remarks directed at the reporter.
Key Details of the Exchange
The confrontation arose when the reporter referenced a June report from the Department of Justice, which indicated that Afghan evacuees had undergone thorough vetting by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI. Trump dismissed this assertion, claiming, “there was no vetting or anything,” and attributed blame to the Biden administration for allowing individuals like Lakanwal into the country. He repeatedly called the reporter “stupid,” stating, “Are you a stupid person? Because they came in on a plane, along with thousands of other people that shouldn’t be here.”
Context of the Asylum Grant
Lakanwal, 29, had been living in Washington since 2021 and had reportedly worked closely with the CIA in Afghanistan. His asylum application was approved by the Trump administration in April 2025. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the vetting of Afghan evacuees following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Official Responses
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended Trump’s remarks, asserting that his straightforwardness is a hallmark of his communication style, which resonates with many Americans. She stated, “President Trump has never been politically correct, never holds back, and in large part, the American people re-elected him for his transparency.”
Criticism of Trump's Comments
Critics have condemned Trump's language and approach, arguing that his remarks reflect a broader issue of declining trust in the media. The White House’s RapidResponse 47 X account shared the exchange, framing it as a confrontation with “fake news.” This incident follows previous derogatory comments made by Trump towards female reporters, including calling one “piggy” and criticizing another's appearance.
Broader Implications
The exchange underscores the contentious relationship between Trump and the media, particularly regarding immigration issues. Trump's remarks may further polarize public opinion on asylum policies and the treatment of Afghan evacuees, as well as contribute to ongoing debates about media credibility and political discourse.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Because they let him! Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person? Because they came in on a plane — along with thousands of other people that SHOULDN'T BE HERE.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “This has nothing to do with gender – it has everything to do with the fact that the President’s and the public’s trust in the media is at all time lows.” — White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Trump claims there was no vetting of Afghan evacuees, the June report from the Department of Justice contradicts this assertion, stating that thorough vetting was conducted. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of Trump's statements and the implications for public understanding of immigration processes.
