The mic bumping US President Donald Trump.
Credit: X/@GuntherEagleman
US President Donald Trump faced an awkward moment during an interaction with the media.
In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Trump while speaking to media at a press briefing at the Joint Base Andrews on March 14, a reporter accidentally bumped a microphone on to the US President's face, prompting a strong reaction.
As the mic hit him, Trump raised an eyebrow and gave the reporter a death stare, after which the reporter quickly retracted the mic.
He was then heard saying," “She made television tonight; she just became a big story tonight. Did you see that?”
The incident occurred prior to Trump's flight back to Washington DC.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer on X criticised the press, saying, “How on earth did a reporter get that boom mic so close to Trump's face? This just doesn't seem right. Security should tighten up. Embarrassing for the press.”
Many others were also concerned.
One wrote, "And, she didn’t even apologize the moment it happened….smh"
Another said, "Look at the different angles—it was definitely intentional. No way that was just an accident. The media’s bias is showing loud and clear."
Musical artist Vinny James wrote, "Making physical contact with the President should be a felony. Any number of very bad things can be transmitted by physical contact. -VJ"
Another user wrote, "How were reporters able to approach so closely, and where was the Secret Service at that critical moment? Microphones can harbor countless germs, potentially including a deadly pathogen. Ensuring President Trump's constant protection is paramount."
The microphone cover in question, known as a ‘dead cat', is designed to minimise wind noise in recordings. The mics of other reporters were also covered with the same. However, this reporter's mic reached a tad too close to the US President.