The White House has criticised CNN reporter, Kristen Holmes after she questioned US President Donald Trump about comments made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff concerning Trump’s relationship with his executive assistant, Natalie Harp.
The exchange occurred during an Oval Office event on Monday held to honour a teenage lifeguard who rescued a child from dangerous waves.
Trump opened the floor to questions on several unrelated issues, including politics and foreign affairs.
Holmes asked Trump about Ossoff’s recent remarks concerning Harp, a 35-year-old aide who has attracted increased public attention after being among the few staff members accompanying Trump during a reported Air Force One aircraft change in July.
The White House Rapid Response account subsequently attacked Holmes on X, accusing her of using an event honouring a young hero to raise what it described as an inappropriate question. The post also shared a video of Trump responding to the reporter.
Trump later confronted Holmes while she was asking another question about North Korea, calling her “very disrespectful” and accusing her of being “fake news.” He also told her to remain quiet.
CNN condemned the president’s remarks and the subsequent White House criticism, saying the attacks on Holmes were unacceptable and “beneath the office.”
“We stand firmly behind Kristen and reject these attacks in the strongest possible terms,” the network said.
The controversy follows renewed public discussion surrounding Harp, who regularly accompanies Trump and has been described as one of his most visible aides. She previously worked in television news and has reportedly earned the nickname “human printer” because of her role in providing Trump with printed briefing materials and information.
Ossoff, who has been mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, criticised Trump during a campaign speech on Sunday, accusing the president of focusing on personal projects and his association with Harp instead of carrying out his presidential responsibilities.
Trump dismissed Ossoff as a “Pee-wee Herman lookalike” and defended plans for a reported $400 million ballroom at the White House, but did not directly address the remarks about Harp.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung had also attacked Ossoff over the comments, using derogatory language against the senator.