President Donald Trump makes an announcement on American nuclear innovation in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump appeared caught off guard Friday by a Fox News reporter's question about lettuce causing "explosive diarrhea" — asking the president to confirm when Americans can eat the vegetable again.
Trump seemed stumped over the question from Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy, who pressed the president for more information about the cyclospora parasitic outbreak during a press conference in the Oval Office.
"There’s this nasty parasite that's given people in nine states explosive diarrhea. When is it going to be safe to eat lettuce again?" Doocy asked.
"I don't know. I haven't thought about it. That's the first time I've been asked that question. Are you eating lettuce recently?" Trump responded.
Doocy: There’s a parasite that's given people explosive diarrhea. When will it be safe to eat lettuce again?
Trump: I don't know. Are you eating lettuce recently? pic.twitter.com/BiZrZH7fLO
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 24, 2026
