The White House has criticised CNN reporter Kristen Holmes after she questioned President Donald Trump about his relationship with White House aide Natalie Harp during an event at the Oval Office.
The White House’s “Rapid Response” team attacked Holmes on X after she asked Trump about comments made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff concerning Harp, one of the president’s aides.
The team told Holmes that her children would one day come across what it described as a “disgusting and inhumane question,” while sharing a video of Trump responding to her.
Trump later confronted Holmes as she asked another question about North Korea, calling her “very disrespectful” and accusing her of being “fake news.”
“You’re a loud, boisterous person, you’re fake news, be quiet,” Trump told the reporter.
CNN condemned the attacks, saying they were inappropriate and “beneath the office,” while expressing strong support for Holmes.
The controversy followed recent online attention surrounding Harp, a former television news personality who is frequently seen alongside Trump. She has been nicknamed the “human printer” because she is often seen providing the president with printed information.
Ossoff had recently criticised Trump over his relationship with Harp and accused the president of focusing on his White House ballroom project and travelling with the aide instead of carrying out his presidential duties.
Trump dismissed Ossoff’s comments and defended the construction of the reported $400 million White House ballroom, but did not directly address the allegations involving Harp.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also attacked Ossoff over his comments, using an insulting term in response to the senator.
The latest dispute adds to a growing series of confrontations between the Trump administration and female journalists over questions concerning the president and his administration.
Source: AFP
