Washington, D.C. – October 13, 2025 – In a tense exchange aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump sharply criticized Politico as “fake news” and dismissed reporter Dasha Burns after she pressed him on U.S.-China policy. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday as Trump departed Joint Base Andrews en route to a campaign rally, underscores the ongoing tension between the White House and several media outlets.
The confrontation began during an informal press gaggle when Burns attempted to question Trump about his administration’s handling of escalating trade disputes with China. Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to impose stricter measures against Beijing, interrupted her mid-question. “Politico is fake news,” he declared, accusing the publication of spreading “inaccuracies” about his China strategy. Without further elaboration, the president pivoted to take a question from another journalist, effectively ending the exchange with Burns.
Video footage of the moment, quickly circulated by White House pool reporters, shows Trump gesturing dismissively as he moved on. The episode comes amid heightened U.S.-China trade tensions, with Trump recently threatening 100% tariffs on a wide range of Chinese imports in response to what he describes as unfair trade practices. Beijing has countered with retaliatory measures, including export restrictions on rare earth minerals—critical to U.S. technology and defense industries—and limits on American agricultural products such as soybeans and pork. These moves have rattled global markets and drawn criticism from economists who warn of potential supply chain disruptions and higher consumer costs.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later defended Trump’s response in a statement, saying, “The president is focused on delivering results for the American people, not engaging with outlets that distort facts.” Politico, in turn, stood by Burns’ reporting. Editor-in-Chief Matthew Kaminski issued a brief response: “Our journalists ask tough questions based on verifiable information. We won’t be deterred by labels.”
The incident has ignited a firestorm on social media, with reactions sharply divided along partisan lines. Trump supporters praised the president’s “candor” and “strength” in calling out perceived media bias, propelling hashtags such as #FakeNewsPolitico among conservative users. “Finally, someone standing up to the lying press!” one X user posted, garnering thousands of likes. Critics, however, denounced the exchange as an evasion tactic, arguing it avoided substantive discussion of pressing international issues. “This is not leadership; it’s deflection,” tweeted a prominent Democratic strategist, echoing media watchdogs who view such dismissals as threats to press freedom.
This is not the first time Trump has clashed with journalists. During both his previous term and current administration, he has frequently branded unfavorable coverage as “fake news,” a phrase that has become a hallmark of his media interactions. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, such moments could further polarize voters—energizing Trump’s base while motivating opponents to rally around calls for greater transparency.
The White House has not indicated whether any follow-up briefings will address the unanswered questions on China policy. Meanwhile, trade negotiations between the U.S. and China remain stalled, with experts predicting prolonged economic uncertainty if the rhetoric continues to escalate.
