United States President Joe Biden called Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy "a stupid son of a b#tch" on a live microphone Monday after Doocy asked the president if inflation was a political burden.
Biden was clearly heard cursing the reporter on the microphone after the reporter threw a question about the impact of rising inflation on this year's congressional elections.
"That's a great asset - more inflation," Biden replied sarcastically, shaking his head and grinning over the din of journalists shouting questions. His remarks were captured on live camera and through the microphone directly in front of him.
"What a stupid son of a b#tch," Biden said.
Within minutes, video of Biden's remark was widely circulated on social media.
Since Doocy covered the president's 2020 presidential campaign for Fox News, the president has had a somewhat contentious relationship with him.
Doocy asked Biden during a press conference last week why he had taken the country "so far to the left," which the president laughed off before stating that he is not a socialist.
The White House has repeatedly stated that it is focused on containing inflation, with Biden realigning his entire economic agenda on the subject.
Consumer prices in the United States increased significantly last month, resulting in the biggest yearly hike in nearly 40 years.
However, the president has demonstrated a willingness to confront a media he believes is too critical, particularly Fox News and Doocy.
Doocy appeared on Fox News following his awkward verbal exchange with Biden, during which co-host of "The Five" Jesse Watters joked to his colleague: "I believe the president is correct." You are a stupid SOB."
"Yeah, nobody has fact-checked [the president] yet and stated that it is not true," a smiling Doocy agreed.
The White House and Fox did not respond to a request for comment immediately.
Biden took office a year ago promising to take a tough stance against incivility among his administration's members.
He said that if anyone works for him and he overhears someone treating another colleague with disrespect, "I promise you I will fire you immediately," Biden told political appointees during a virtual swearing-in ceremony, Reuters reported.
To the delight of many of his supporters, Biden's predecessor, Republican Donald Trump, famously attacked reporters during rallies and news conferences.
Meanwhile, Doocy reported that Biden called him later that night.
'It's nothing personal, pal," Doocy quoted Biden as saying, adding that the two men conversed and "we were discussing just moving forward."
