Housing and Urban Development top official Lynne Patton apologized for calling well-respected journalist April D. Ryan "Miss Piggy" during a spat on Twitter.
Patton, who is a staunch President Donald Trump supporter, called Ryan "Miss Piggy" in a now-deleted tweet in a series of unsavory tweets claiming Ryan worked for a bankrupt outlet, American Urban Radio Networks.
“I hear #Miss Piggys [sic] still on a rampage. Gee, I must’ve struck a nerve, @AprilRyan! #BankruptBlogger,” Patton said in the tweet.
Before that tweet, Patton wrote many incendiary tweets using her personal account claiming that Ryan was in financial ruin and using the hashtag #Bankruptblogger to dismiss the respected White House correspondent for asking the Trump administration tough questions.
Fake info girl! Check your facts. I work for American Urban Radio Networks not Sheridan! Whose wedding are you planning now and what wig company do you work for? https://t.co/YtfF4QHzy5
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) January 24, 2018
In the past year, Ryan has become a major media figure for challenging the Trump administration on their policy rollouts and asking the tough questions others shy away from.
Just recently, she was one of a few journalists to ask if the president was racist after he allegedly called nations like Haiti, El Salvador and several African nations "sh*thole countries." Her bravery has been met with death threats from critics and Trump supporters.
From Patton's official HUD account, she apologized to Ryan and stated that she deleted the "Miss Piggy" tweet.
Tonight, I made an inexcusable comment on my personal Twitter account that I deeply regret & deleted on my own volition. I sincerely apologize to @AprilDRyan. I also wish to apologize to my staff at @HUDNY_NJ, @SecretaryCarson & the #Trump family who deserved better leadership. pic.twitter.com/dpQAd2F2rC
— Lynne Patton (HUD) (@LynnePattonHUD) January 25, 2018
Fellow black Republicans like Armstrong Williams said that the remarks were uncalled for and that Ryan should have never been disrespected like this.
Thank you. Sorry I missed your call. I want to talk with Dr Carson about this when he has time today! Thank you @Arightside and @RealBenCarson for the Apology! https://t.co/diM5klfSPX
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) January 25, 2018
Now, Ryan awaits HUD Director Dr. Ben Carson's phone call on the matter.
No one should ever publicly dismiss any death threats someone gets. Not cool., particularly by gov official on tax payers dime during the work day! That is how it all started. I Accept @RealBenCarson apoology and await his call.
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) January 25, 2018