President Donald Trump delivered a humorous — yet telling — moment on Tuesday while speaking to Republican lawmakers, calling out what many conservatives see as a long-running issue: the media’s habit of portraying him in the worst possible light.
The exchange happened during Trump’s remarks at the House GOP retreat at the Kennedy Center, where the president spoke for more than an hour on policy, leadership, and the direction of the country.
Midway through the speech, Trump paused to recognize a familiar face in the press pool — Doug Mills, a photographer for New York Times.
Mills is the photographer who captured the now-historic image of a bullet streaking past Trump’s head during the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania — a moment that stunned the nation and later earned him a Pulitzer Prize.
“Pulitzer Prize! Pulitzer Prize!” Trump said, drawing applause from the room. He went on to acknowledge that Mills has won multiple Pulitzers over his career, praising his technical skill and timing.
Trump also gestured toward the rest of the photographers in attendance, offering a clear distinction between individuals and institutions.
“These are talented people,” Trump said, referring to the photographers. “Very talented. I don’t like the people back there. These are the ones who take the pictures.”
The comment drew laughter, but it also underscored a deeper frustration shared by many Trump supporters — that even when individual journalists are skilled professionals, the final presentation often reflects editorial bias.
Then came the line that brought the house down.
Turning back to Mills, Trump joked, “Make me look thin for a change, Doug. You’re making me look a little heavy. I’m not happy about it.”
The room erupted in laughter.
For longtime observers of Trump’s relationship with the press, the remark landed because it touched on a familiar complaint among conservatives: selective framing. Supporters have long argued that mainstream outlets consistently choose the least flattering images of Trump while offering far more generous coverage of Democratic leaders.
The moment also highlighted Trump’s ability to disarm critics with humor — a trait that helped define his political rise and continues to resonate with older voters who appreciate plainspoken leadership and authenticity.
Rather than bristling at the press, Trump leaned into the joke, reinforcing an image of confidence while subtly reminding the audience of the media dynamics surrounding his presidency.
For many Republicans in the room, it was classic Trump — relaxed, self-aware, and unafraid to say out loud what millions of Americans have noticed for years.