Note: VIDEO at the end of the article
In true Donald Trump fashion, a recent media interaction on Capitol Hill took a sharp and unexpected turn when the former president delivered a withering five-word dismissal to a reporter from a lesser-known political publication. It was a moment that once again highlighted Trump’s contentious relationship with the press—and his trademark flair for viral one-liners.
On Tuesday, May 20, following a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers to discuss what he dubbed his “beautiful bill,” Trump was met with questions from various journalists outside the chamber. Among them was a reporter from NOTUS, a newly launched political publication that brands itself as a nonprofit and nonpartisan outlet focused on U.S. government and policy.
When the journalist posed a fairly routine question—referencing Republican Congressman Andy Harris’s comment that Trump “didn’t adequately convince enough people to vote for the bill”—the 47th President of the United States didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he paused and asked, “Who do you work for?”
Upon hearing the name “NOTUS,” Trump delivered his signature smackdown with a smirk: “Who? I don’t even know what the hell that is. Get yourself a real job.”
A Typical Trump Media Moment
For those familiar with Trump’s media appearances, this sort of exchange is nothing new. Throughout his political career, Trump has been notorious for his combative dynamic with the press, frequently labeling major outlets as “fake news,” walking out of interviews, and using his considerable platform to discredit journalists.
What made this particular encounter stand out wasn’t just the line itself—it was the dismissive delivery, the precision of the put-down, and the fact that it was aimed at a fledgling media outlet trying to gain traction in a crowded political journalism landscape.
Social media, predictably, lit up. Clips of the moment were reposted thousands of times across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, where users weighed in on the clash with reactions ranging from amusement to outrage.
“Another banger, I fear,” one user commented, referencing Trump’s knack for producing meme-worthy moments. Others were more critical. “Trump’s dismissal of the NOTUS reporter shows his contempt for smaller media outlets,” another user wrote. A third simply concluded: “Classic Trump.”
What Is NOTUS?
To many viewers—and apparently to Trump himself—NOTUS was an unfamiliar name. The publication, launched by the Allbritton Journalism Institute, aims to offer nonpartisan political reporting driven by experienced journalists and up-and-coming talent. According to its official description, NOTUS is “funded by donors and grants” and seeks to cover Washington politics with a fresh and independent perspective.
Their approach to covering U.S. politics mirrors a growing trend among nonprofit media organizations seeking to challenge traditional corporate news models, which many criticize for bias, sensationalism, or gatekeeping. For a new player like NOTUS, fielding reporters on Capitol Hill is a chance to break into the national conversation.
Unfortunately, in this case, that chance came with a verbal slap from the former president himself.
Context and Timing
The timing of Trump’s outburst is also worth noting. Just weeks earlier, Trump made headlines for another blunt media moment—this time involving a rogue microphone during a live interview. As he leaned forward to speak, a fuzzy mic accidentally brushed against his face. The moment, captured live on camera, showed Trump grimacing and then recoiling slightly as the equipment slid awkwardly across his mouth.
He didn’t let it slide. With a steely glare and a sarcastic grin, Trump quipped, “She just became a big story tonight… She just made television tonight,” referring to the interviewer.
While some saw humor in the exchange, others noted how quickly Trump shifted from irritation to showmanship—a trademark move in his political playbook. These moments reinforce his ability to dominate a media cycle with a single sentence.
The Trump Playbook: Insult, Divert, Win the Moment
Trump’s response to the NOTUS reporter fits neatly into a now-familiar pattern. First, he identifies a perceived slight or weak point—in this case, the relative obscurity of the journalist’s employer. Then, rather than answering the question, he uses the opportunity to undermine the reporter’s credibility in front of cameras. The end goal? Shift the conversation, entertain supporters, and maintain control of the narrative.
This method has proven effective, especially in Republican circles where anti-mainstream-media sentiment runs high. Trump’s supporters often view his media clashes not as petty insults, but as bold rebukes of a biased system. Telling a journalist to “get a real job” may seem harsh, but to many in his base, it signals a refusal to play by establishment rules.
The Broader Impact on Journalism
While some may laugh off Trump’s insult as just another headline-grabbing moment, others raise concerns about its implications for journalism—especially for smaller, independent outlets.
NOTUS, like many nonprofit newsrooms, is trying to carve out space in a media ecosystem dominated by giants like CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times. When a figure as influential as Trump publicly dismisses a startup outlet, it not only discredits the reporter in real-time but also sends a discouraging message to young journalists seeking to make a difference.
The challenge for such outlets is twofold: to earn legitimacy in the eyes of readers while also navigating political landmines like Trump’s high-profile takedowns. The viral nature of the insult ironically puts NOTUS in the spotlight, but not in the way they might have hoped.
A Double-Edged Sword
Ironically, Trump’s jab may end up benefiting NOTUS in the long run. The viral nature of the exchange has brought widespread attention to the outlet, prompting curiosity and traffic from those who, like Trump, had never heard of it before.
If history is any guide, Trump’s media critics often see surges in readership and support following his attacks. In fact, several journalists and outlets have leveraged Trump’s barbs as rallying cries to attract subscribers, donors, and a loyal following committed to press freedom.
Whether NOTUS can turn this moment into momentum remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: they’re now on the radar, both in Washington and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Donald Trump’s “Get yourself a real job” response was vintage Trump—brash, biting, and designed for virality. But beyond the punchline lies a deeper tension between political power and the press, between legacy media and new voices, between public accountability and personal ego.
As Trump continues his political journey—and as emerging publications like NOTUS try to reshape the media landscape—clashes like this one are bound to keep happening. And if nothing else, they’ll continue to remind us that in the Trump era, no interview is ever just an interview—it’s a performance.
http://youtube.com/shorts/tXpNuIZk2TU
