The rapid response team for the president has criticized a CNN reporter’s comments suggesting that President Donald Trump might have a romantic connection with a young staff member.
During a press conference on Monday, White House senior correspondent Kristen Holmes probed the president regarding a statement made by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.).
“These guys are the worst of the worst.”
Holmes asked, “Jon Ossoff mentioned he would prefer to travel with his aide Natalie Harp rather than focus on building banquet halls and performing presidential duties. What’s your reaction to that?”
Trump replied, questioning if Ossoff resembled a character named Pee-wee Herman. He added, “No, I’d rather do something else. We’re in the process of constructing a fantastic facility here and restoring the White House, which was actually quite run down.”
The Trump team later responded to Holmes on social media, reprimanding her. They remarked on the platform, “[Kristen Holmes] This reflects a shameful and embarrassing moment for her so-called profession. She has a heroic lifeguard in the Oval Office and exploits it to make cheap shots about one of President Trump’s staffers. These people are the absolute worst.”
About forty minutes later, they continued their critique, stating, “In the future, your children will encounter your dehumanizing and unpleasant questions. They are likely to feel ill and ashamed to have a parent who is so insensitive and vindictive. It’s deeply troubling.”
Meanwhile, CNN White House Correspondent Alaina Trine defended her colleague, stating, “What a terrible thing to say. Kristen is a wonderful reporter, an amazing person, and an excellent mother. I can’t grasp the reaction to a journalist seeking answers from the president about allegations made by a Democratic senator.”
As for Holmes, CNN later issued a statement backing her. They stated, “Kristen Holmes is among the most esteemed and accomplished journalists covering the White House. This afternoon, she did her job and posed critical, relevant, and newsworthy questions to the President on behalf of the American public.”
Additionally, they asserted, “Public officials can express discontent with reporting that counters their views, yet personal attacks on journalists asking questions undermine the role of public servants and the principles of press freedom. We firmly support Kristen and categorically reject these attacks.”
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