Catherine Lucey, the seasoned Bloomberg reporter thrust into the national spotlight after President Donald Trump derisively called her “piggy” during a heated exchange over the Epstein files, embodies the grit of Washington journalism. The 46-year-old White House correspondent has built a storied career spanning over two decades, navigating the corridors of power with a focus on politics, gender issues, and domestic policy. But on Friday, aboard Air Force One, her persistent questioning about the sealed Epstein files—tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous sex-trafficking scandal—drew a personal attack that has sparked widespread condemnation of Trump’s treatment of female journalists.
As the viral clip garners millions of views and fuels hashtags like #StandWithLucey and #ReleaseEpsteinFiles, Catherine Lucey‘s profile as a resilient Bloomberg reporter has surged in searches, up 1,800% on Google Trends overnight. Here’s a deep dive into the journalist at the heart of the controversy: her background, career milestones, and unwavering commitment to accountability amid the Trump piggy backlash.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Political Journalist
Born in 1979, Catherine Lucey grew up in the Philadelphia area, where her early exposure to local politics ignited a passion for reporting that would define her career. She honed her skills at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree that provided a robust foundation in critical thinking and storytelling—essential tools for dissecting the complexities of national governance.
Lucey’s academic background wasn’t just theoretical; it propelled her into the trenches of journalism early on. By her mid-20s, she was already making waves in local news, demonstrating the tenacity that would later define her confrontations with world leaders.
Career Trajectory: From Philly Streets to White House Briefing Room
Catherine Lucey‘s professional journey is a testament to steady ascent in political reporting. She spent 12 formative years at the Philadelphia Daily News, starting in the early 2000s, where she covered everything from city hall scandals to state-level elections. Her work there earned her a reputation as a dogged investigator, unafraid to challenge local power brokers.
In 2012, Lucey leveled up to the national stage, joining the Associated Press as part of its White House reporting team. She focused on Iowa state politics and presidential campaigns, immersing herself in the high-stakes world of primaries and caucuses. This period sharpened her skills in rapid-response journalism, preparing her for the relentless pace of D.C.
By 2016, Lucey had transitioned to The Wall Street Journal, where she served as a White House reporter through the turbulent Trump and Biden administrations. Her beats included politics, gender dynamics, and domestic policy—areas where she broke stories on everything from executive orders to women’s rights initiatives. Colleagues praise her “velvet hammer” style: incisive yet fair, always prioritizing facts over flash.
In March 2025, Catherine Lucey joined Bloomberg News as White House correspondent, a role that positioned her at the epicenter of Trump’s second term. With over 20 years under her belt, she’s authored hundreds of pieces on power plays in the Oval Office, amassing a net worth estimated at $1.8 million through her expertise and bylines at top outlets.
The ‘Piggy’ Incident: Trump Targets Lucey Over Epstein Files Question
The flashpoint came Friday during a press gaggle on Air Force One, returning from a Pennsylvania rally. As reporters crowded the plane’s narrow cabin, Lucey seized the moment to grill Trump on the administration’s refusal to declassify the full Epstein files—a cache of documents from Epstein’s estate, including emails and logs that could implicate elites in his trafficking network.
Building on a colleague’s query about a potential House vote for release, Lucey pressed: “If there’s nothing incriminating in the Epstein files, why the delay?” Trump’s response was explosive. Pointing directly at her, he snapped, “Quiet. Quiet, piggy,” before dismissing her as “the worst” and questioning why Bloomberg employed her. The exchange, captured on video and first reported by CBS News’ Jennifer Jacobs, went viral, exposing Trump’s pattern of gendered attacks on women in the press.
The Trump called piggy moment wasn’t isolated; on Sunday, he reiterated his disdain during a tarmac scrum in West Palm Beach, again targeting Lucey over a Tucker Carlson interview question. Critics, including CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, rallied: “My colleagues… do a great job.”
Response and Resilience: Lucey’s Stance Amid the Backlash
Catherine Lucey has remained characteristically composed, directing comments to a Bloomberg spokesperson who affirmed: “Our White House journalists perform a vital public service, asking questions without fear or favor.” On X (@catherine_lucey), she continues posting incisive updates on policy, eschewing personal drama.
The White House deflected, claiming Lucey acted “inappropriately” without evidence—a move slammed as victim-blaming by outlets like The Guardian. Advocacy groups, including the Women’s Media Center, hail her as a symbol of endurance, with calls for ethics probes mounting.
Privately, Lucey maintains a low profile; she’s married to a creative professional and values family away from the spotlight. Yet, her career underscores a refusal to be silenced—much like her unyielding pursuit of the Epstein files truth.
Why Catherine Lucey Matters: A Beacon for Women in Journalism
In an era of eroding press freedoms, Catherine Lucey stands as a pillar for aspiring female journalists. Her expertise on gender and policy, combined with her frontline experience, makes her indispensable. As the Epstein files saga unfolds—with a House vote looming—Lucey’s question wasn’t just bold; it was journalistic duty.
The “Trump called piggy” uproar may fade, but Lucey‘s legacy endures: a reminder that accountability demands courage, especially from those Trump deems unworthy.
