Trump rebukes CNN reporter over aide question

The White House has criticised CNN reporter Kristen Holmes after she questioned US President Donald Trump about his relationship with executive assistant Natalie Harp.

The confrontation took place during an Oval Office event on Monday honouring 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who recently rescued a child from dangerous ocean swells off California.

Holmes asked Trump about remarks made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who had recently referred to Harp during a campaign speech. The question drew a sharp response from the White House, which accused the reporter of using an event honouring a young hero to raise an unrelated political issue.

Trump also confronted Holmes when she later asked a question about North Korea. He called her “very disrespectful” and told her to remain quiet, accusing her of being “fake news.”

The White House’s Rapid Response team separately criticised Holmes on social media, describing her question as inappropriate and directing strong personal remarks at the journalist.

CNN strongly defended Holmes and condemned the White House’s response. The network said the attacks were inappropriate and “beneath the office” of the presidency. It also said it stood firmly behind its reporter.

The dispute comes amid increased public attention surrounding Harp, a former television news personality who has become a prominent member of Trump’s staff. She is frequently seen accompanying the president and has gained attention for regularly providing him with printed information, earning her the nickname “human printer.”

Harp was also reportedly among a small group of aides present during a secret Air Force One aircraft change in July, prompting speculation and discussion online.

Ossoff recently criticised Trump over his focus on a planned $400 million White House ballroom and his association with Harp. Trump dismissed the senator’s remarks and attacked him personally while defending the ballroom project.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also criticised Ossoff, calling him a political loser.

The latest clash adds to growing tensions between the Trump administration and journalists, particularly female reporters who have faced public criticism from the president and his allies.