President Donald Trump was addressing reporters at Joint Base Andrews when an unexpected moment unfolded—a microphone suddenly [1] struck him in the face.
The press conference briefly fell silent before a reporter resumed questioning the president.
Trump, appearing momentarily surprised, stared at the reporter before quipping, “She just made television tonight.”
The incident occurred as Trump was responding to a question about efforts to secure the release of more hostages from Gaza.
As he leaned forward to hear the reporter, a microphone equipped with a windscreen, commonly known as a “dead cat,” inadvertently bumped into his lip and cheek.
The mic operator could be heard apologizing after the mishap.
“She just made television tonight,” Trump repeated, looking at the reporter. “She just became a big story tonight, right? Did you see that?”
A reporter just shoved a microphone into Trump’s face.
“She just became a big story tonight… did you see that?” pic.twitter.com/CGw61TjseW [2]
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 14, 2025 [3]
It remains unclear who the microphone operator was or which media outlet she was representing.
The moment quickly spread online, drawing mixed reactions. Some social media users found the exchange amusing, while others viewed it as a sign of disrespect toward the president.
“Unreal these people. Have some respect,” Turning Point USA Founder and CEO Charlie Kirk posted on X.
Many of Trump’s supporters commended his response, including Kirk, who added that the president “handled it graciously.”
President Trump was just smacked in the face by a reporter’s boom mic.
Unreal these people. Have some respect.
President Trump handled it graciously: “She just became a big story tonight.” pic.twitter.com/Kg0wNbmEjO [4]
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 14, 2025 [5]
The incident wasn’t the only viral moment involving Trump that day. Earlier on Friday, while boarding Marine One, he briefly stumbled on the stairs after catching his foot while assisting Elon Musk’s 4-year-old son,Lil X, into the aircraft.
🚨 NOW: President Trump just boarded Marine One with Elon Musk’s son, Lil X.
The little guy looks so freaking excited while jumping around next to Trump! 😆
Trump then helped Lil X on the helicopter, and Elon followed shortly after.
pic.twitter.com/jB8fS1NYTY [6]— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 14, 2025 [7]
President Trump & Lil X 🇺🇸 @elonmusk [8] pic.twitter.com/ajhB66FpDP [9]
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 14, 2025 [10]
The clip quickly made rounds online, with some referring to him as “Grandpa Trump.”
I don’t care what anyone says, seeing Grandpa Trump with little X is awesome.
It’s a symbol of the incredible friendship Elon and Grandpa Trump have built. pic.twitter.com/YaP505GlKb [11]
— Dr Vincent Sativa 🇺🇸 (@The_Weed_Shop) March 15, 2025 [12]
Trump has amazing grandpa energy. pic.twitter.com/0CPesAn05d [13]
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) March 15, 2025 [14]