Donald Trump told ABC News reporter Rachel Scott “not you” during a testy exchange with reporters on the tarmac in Dallas after she pressed him over a $5,000 payment he proposed for American adults. The US president spoke to reporters as he prepared to leave Dallas on Air Force One after the two-day Republican midterm convention.
Trump has promised that adult Americans could receive a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control of both houses of Congress in the November midterm elections. He called the proposal a “dividend” tied to the country’s economic strength and tariff revenues, although the plan would require Congressional approval.
ABC News’ Scott made the suggestion to Trump during the call, starting with a reference to the national debt before challenging him on the payments.
“Mr. President, the US debt is still $40 trillion,” Scott said. “If your economic policies are working, why do you need an incentive to get people to vote?”
Trump did not answer this question directly. Instead, he turned to former President Joe Biden and said the proposed payment was a reward for what he called years of hardship under the previous administration. Exchange reports said Trump characterized the payment as a reward, not an incentive to vote.
Donald Trump attacks ABC reporter mid-question
When Scott tried to return to her original question about the proposed $5,000 payments, Trump talked her down. “Not you,” he said, walking up to her and pointing before turning to the other reporter.
He then turned to Scott and told her, “Your network and you are the worst.” The conversation was captured on video and quickly spread online, where messages appeared describing Trump’s response as an aggressive response to Scott’s questions.
The conversation sparked a flurry of reactions online, with social media users commenting on Trump’s tone and interactions with Scott. Some reports have described this point in highly critical terms, although such reactions reflect individual opinions rather than independently established facts.
Trump’s proposed payment itself has drawn criticism and questions about how it would be financed. The plan could cost more than $1 trillion and would require congressional approval, with some Republicans raising concerns about its potential impact on inflation and the government deficit.
A pattern of clashes shapes Donald Trump’s relationship with the press.
Trump has previously clashed with journalists who challenged him on controversial issues. He walked out during an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker that aired on NBC. Meet the press June 7, 2026, after she challenged him over unsubstantiated claims about the election and other issues.
During the interview, Trump grew increasingly frustrated as Welker questioned his claims of election fraud. He eventually ended the conversation by telling her, “Let’s stop because I’ve had enough,” before leaving the interview.
The conversation with Scott in Dallas had a different setting, but also centered on a reporter pressuring Trump on a controversial political issue. This time, Scott challenged him about the proposed $5,000 payout and the country’s national debt, while Trump turned the conversation to Biden and his criticism of ABC.
The exchange came as Trump sought to boost the Republican Party’s prospects ahead of the November midterm elections. His proposed $5,000 “Trump dividend” has become one of the campaign’s most visible economic promises, although its funding and implementation remain unresolved.