Donald Trump and the White House team launched criticism against CNN journalist Kristen Holmes on Monday after she asked a question about the relationship between the president of the United States and an assistant. The question arose during an event in the Oval Office after a Democratic congressman made comments about Natalie Harp, presidential executive assistant.
The White House Rapid Response account posted a message on X directed against Holmes, stating that "one day, her children will come across her disgusting and inhumane question". Trump also dismissed Holmes as "very disrespectful" while formulating a question about North Korea. "You are a loud and outrageous person, you are fake news, shut up", the president said to the reporter.
CNN responded that the attacks against Holmes were "below the dignity of the office" and expressed its support for the journalist. "We strongly support Kristen and reject these attacks in the strongest possible terms", the outlet said in a statement. The White House argued that Holmes had asked the question during an event intended to honour a teenage lifeguard.
Questions about Harp arose after it was reported that she was one of the few assistants who accompanied Trump during a secret plane change on Air Force One on a flight from Turkey in July. Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff accused the president in a speech of wanting to "build his ballroom and travel with Natalie" instead of carrying out his duties.
