Trump Rebukes Polish Reporter in Oval Office Over Question on Putin

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump sharply rebuked a Polish reporter Wednesday who told him he had taken “no action” against Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the questioner’s line of reporting into doubt and saying, "you ought to get yourself a new job."

The exchange occurred in the Oval Office as Trump received a visiting Polish official, when a reporter from Polish media asked, “You’ve stressed many times your frustration and disappointment with Putin, but there’s no action since you took your office.” Trump interrupted, asking, “How do you know there’s no action? Really?” and then, “Wait, wait, who are you with?”

Trump insisted measures had been taken and pointed to what he described as secondary sanctions and tariffs targeting countries that purchase Russian energy. He specifically cited actions affecting India, which he characterized as among the largest buyers of Russian oil outside China, and said those measures had cost Russia "hundreds of billions of dollars." He added that other phases of action were looming.

The reporter identified herself as working with Polish media during the exchange, and the president repeatedly pressed her on how she had reached her assessment. At one point he told the reporter, "Get yourself a new job," after disputing the premise of the question.

The confrontation reflects ongoing scrutiny from journalists and foreign interlocutors about the administration’s approach to Russia, including its use of sanctions and trade measures. U.S. officials have increasingly used secondary sanctions and trade restrictions as tools to pressure Russia economically in response to Moscow's actions abroad. The president’s remarks tied those measures to broader efforts he said were designed to penalize Moscow and its economic partners.

White House officials did not immediately provide additional detail on the "other phases" the president referenced. The interaction comes amid continued international debate over the efficacy and scope of sanctions, and about how far the United States will go to deter Russian influence while coordinating with allies and other major purchasers of Russian energy.

The brief, heated exchange in the Oval Office was one of several tense moments between the president and members of the media in recent months, as reporters press for specifics on policy moves and outcomes. The White House has defended its economic pressure campaign on Russia as significant and far-reaching; critics have argued for clearer public evidence tying specific U.S. measures to particular outcomes in Moscow.

The visit by the Polish official proceeded after the exchange, with administration officials emphasizing ongoing diplomatic contacts with European partners on security and economic responses to Russia. Journalists on hand continued to press for follow-up details as the president moved on to other scheduled remarks and meetings.