WASHINGTON: The White House has sharply criticized CNN reporter Kristen Holmes after she questioned US President Donald Trump about comments involving his executive assistant, Natalie Harp.
The confrontation took place on Monday during an Oval Office event honoring a teenage lifeguard who rescued a child from dangerous surf. Trump opened the event to questions on several unrelated political issues.
White House targets CNN reporter
Holmes asked Trump to respond to remarks by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff concerning Harp. Ossoff had accused Trump of focusing on his White House ballroom project and traveling with Harp instead of carrying out his presidential duties.
The White House Rapid Response account then attacked Holmes on X. It accused her of using an event honoring a young hero to take a “cheap shot” at a presidential staff member.
The account also warned that Holmes’ children could one day see her question and described it in highly critical terms.
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Trump also criticized Holmes directly during the event. He called her “very disrespectful” and later told her to be quiet while she asked about North Korea.
“You’re a loud, boisterous person, you’re fake news, be quiet,” Trump told the CNN reporter.
CNN defends Kristen Holmes
CNN strongly rejected the White House’s criticism and defended Holmes as a journalist doing her job.
The network said the attacks were inappropriate and stood firmly behind its correspondent. The confrontation has added to broader tensions between the Trump administration and journalists covering the White House.
Natalie Harp draws growing attention
Harp has recently attracted increased public attention after reports identified her as one of the few aides who accompanied Trump during a secret Air Force One aircraft change in July.
The White House aide frequently appears alongside Trump and has earned the nickname “human printer” because she regularly provides him with printed information.
Ossoff also criticized Trump over his relationship with Harp during a campaign speech on Sunday. Trump responded by attacking Ossoff personally while defending his plan to build a $400 million ballroom at the White House.
Trump also clashes with Holmes over North Korea
The dispute escalated when Holmes later questioned Trump about North Korea and his relationship with leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump became angry and again criticized the reporter. The exchange followed Trump’s recent decision to direct the Pentagon to reduce US-South Korean military exercises.
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The incident has renewed debate over Trump’s confrontational relationship with members of the White House press corps and the administration’s increasingly aggressive response to critical media coverage.
