[0:00] INTRO MUSIC / ANCHOR READ ANCHOR (VOICEOVER): An unusually tense exchange in the Oval Office yesterday saw President Donald Trump launch a personal and sustained attack on a journalist who pressed him and his high-profile guest, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on sensitive issues including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. [0:15] SECTION 1: THE SETTING AND THE CORE QUESTION VOICEOVER NARRATOR: The incident took place during a media availability in the Oval Office, where President Trump was hosting Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—known in Washington by his initials, MBS. This meeting marked the Crown Prince’s first White House visit in several years, after the CIA concluded he had personally approved the operation that led to the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. ABC News Chief White House Correspondent, Mary Bruce, stepped forward and directed a dual-question to the President and the Crown Prince. MARY BRUCE (Audio Clip or Actor Voice): "Your Royal Highness, the U.S. intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist. Nine-eleven families are furious that you are here in the Oval Office. Why should Americans trust you? And the same to you, Mr. President." [0:55] SECTION 2: TRUMP'S RESPONSE AND DEFENSE OF MBS VOICEOVER NARRATOR: President Trump immediately interrupted, demanding Bruce state her affiliation and labeling ABC News as "Fake News, one of the worst in the business." He then defended the Crown Prince and dismissed the gravity of Khashoggi’s murder. DONALD TRUMP (Audio Clip or Actor Voice): "You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that." VOICEOVER NARRATOR: This statement, "things happen," referring to a premeditated murder and dismemberment, drew immediate criticism across the media landscape. [1:40] SECTION 3: THE ESCALATION AND THREAT VOICEOVER NARRATOR: Bruce then attempted a follow-up question, shifting to a separate controversy: asking why the White House was delaying the release of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, demanding to know, "Why not just do it now?" It was at this point the President’s attack intensified and became purely personal. DONALD TRUMP (Audio Clip or Actor Voice): "It’s not the question that I mind; it’s your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter. It’s the way you ask these questions. You’re a terrible person and a terrible reporter." VOICEOVER NARRATOR: The President then went a step further, threatening to use government authority against the network Bruce represented. DONALD TRUMP (Audio Clip or Actor Voice): "I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake, and it’s so wrong. And we have a great commissioner who should look at that." [2:20] SECTION 4: CONCLUSION VOICEOVER NARRATOR: Mary Bruce’s line of questioning adhered to core journalistic duties—holding powerful figures accountable and seeking clarity on matters of intelligence findings, foreign policy, and potential conflicts of interest. The President’s response, however, was widely condemned by press advocacy groups as an attack on the fundamental freedom of the press and an attempt to intimidate journalists performing their duty at the White House.