President Donald Trump clashed with CNN senior White House correspondent Kristen Holmes during an Oval Office press conference on 17 August, branding her "fake news" after she attempted to ask a question.
Heroic Lifeguard Honored
Trump hosted the press conference to honor 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who was recognized for rescuing a 10-year-old boy from treacherous waves at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, on 25th July.
The event turned confrontational when Holmes stepped in to direct a question at Trump. During the conference, Holmes attempted to attract Trump's attention, but Trump brushed aside her efforts and rebuked her for speaking over another reporter.
Exchange with CNN Reporter
Trump told Holmes: "Quiet, quiet, quiet. You are very disrespectful. Quiet. Who are you with?"
To which she replied: "I'm with CNN."
Trump then fired back: "Fake news. You're fake news. You're a loud - you're a loud, boisterous person. You're fake news. Be quiet, be quiet, be quiet. You're a fake reporter and you report fake news."
Holmes subsequently raised her voice and attempted to interject, but Trump continued to talk over her, making her remarks impossible to hear. Holmes questioned Trump regarding remarks made by Sen. Jon Ossoff.
Political Backlash
At the weekend, the senator claimed that the president would sooner travel with his aide Natalie Harp and construct the White House ballroom than fulfil his presidential duties.
"What is your response?" Holmes asked. Trump branded Ossoff a "Pee Wee Herman lookalike" before reverting to remarks concerning the ballroom.
The White House's rapid response account hit back at Holmes, branding her "a disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession. @POTUS hosts a hero lifeguard in the Oval Office and she uses it as an opportunity to take a cheap shot about one of President Trump's staffer."
Trump's fiery confrontation with the CNN journalist ignited a fierce backlash online, with a significant number of viewers denouncing the president's behaviour as thoroughly unprofessional.
On X, one critic wrote, "Trump is a f-----g depraved unethical, sadistic bully. An utter disgrace and embarrassment." Another viewer added, "He's so no-class, ignorant and unprofessional." While a third person commented, "he's such a grotesque human..... why doesn't a reporter say 'and you're a fake president.'"
A further user posted, "What a horrible example of a human being that oaf is sitting there, berating the reporter(s) in front of a young child. Yelling disrespectful at a reporter, when *he* is the most disrespectful person in the room." And a fifth person wrote, "A female reporter again. Weak men attack women."
Holmes' Background
Senior White House Correspondent Holmes is a 14-year CNN veteran. Before her reporting and correspondent positions at the network, she worked as an associate producer for Piers Morgan Tonight. Holmes possesses a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University and a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University.
This is hardly the first instance in which Trump has clashed with CNN reporters. The president has frequently sparred with CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins, even targeting her during his speech at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner. During his lengthy monologue, Trump mocked her appearance and told her that she should "smile" more.
