A heated exchange erupted online when President Donald Trump’s team launched a fierce criticism of a reporter for questioning his response to a comment by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
Senior White House correspondent Kristen Holmes posed the question to the president on Monday regarding Ossoff’s remark that he would rather travel with his personal assistant, Natalie Harp, than build the White House ballroom and fulfill presidential duties.
“Jon Ossoff said you’d rather travel with your aide Natalie Harp than build the ballroom and do your job as president; what is your response?” Holmes asked.
Trump responded by jokingly referring to a fictional character: “You mean Pee-wee Herman? Pee-wee Herman look-alike?”
The White House team swiftly condemned Holmes on social media, branding her a “disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession.” They claimed she used the Oval Office opportunity to take a cheap shot at Trump’s staffer. A second message added: “Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question. They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive.”
A fellow reporter, Alayna Treene, defended Holmes, describing her as “an incredible reporter, person and, above all, mother” while criticizing the team’s reaction as “horrible” and expressing confusion over attacks on journalists asking questions.
White House communications director Steven Cheung also weighed in, labeling Jon Jackoff the “biggest cuck loser in politics.” He added that the individual should “look deep into his soul and ask himself why he’s a miserable person who hates this country.”
The outlet released a statement backing Holmes, calling her one of the most respected journalists covering the White House. They asserted she asked a tough, relevant question for the American people and rejected personal attacks on journalists as inconsistent with free press principles.
