Trump Rebukes ABCs Scott on DC Renovation Focus

President Donald Trump sharply rebuked ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott on May 7, 2026, near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after she questioned his focus on local renovation projects amid rising gas prices and an ongoing conflict with Iran.

Scott approached Trump during his visit to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, asking, "Mr. President, you are here against the backdrop of a war in Iran. Why focus on all these projects right now? We're still seeing gas prices soaring?" Trump responded that the work was essential to keep the country "beautiful and safe." He described the area around the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument as previously "disgusting," claiming workers had removed 11 or 12 truckloads of garbage from the water. "Such a stupid question that you asked," Trump said. "We're fixing up the reflecting pond to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and you say, 'Why are you fixing it up?'"

Trump then turned his criticism directly toward Scott, calling her "one of the worst reporters," "with ABC fake news," and "a horror show." He added that questioning the cleanup efforts was "a disgrace to our country." The exchange was...