Trump Shouts at CNN’s Kristen Holmes to ‘Be Quiet’ in Latest Clash With Female Journalist

President Donald Trump repeatedly instructed CNN White House correspondent Kristen Holmes to "be quiet" during a recent exchange at the Oval Office. The incident occurred after Holmes questioned Trump about his recent communications with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The confrontation took place during an event honoring teenage lifeguard Ryder Williams.

When another reporter asked Trump if his focus on North Korea was prioritizing the region over long-standing U.S. allies, Trump argued that his relationship with Kim made the region safer. He stated, "Kim Jong-un has always treated me with great respect. I understand him, he understands me."

Holmes then inquired whether Kim had requested that Trump reduce the military exercises with South Korea. In response, Trump warned, "Quiet. You're very disrespectful in front of this young man, okay?" He also questioned Holmes about her journalistic integrity, stating, "Don't you find her disrespectful?" Trump further criticized Holmes, labeling her as "fake news" and a "loud, boisterous person."

He concluded the exchange by telling Holmes, "Be quiet!" The White House swiftly responded to the incident, with its Rapid Response account on X attacking Holmes as a "disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession" and accusing her of using the event to make a "cheap shot." In contrast, a CNN spokesperson defended Holmes, stating that she conducted her job well by asking the President a challenging and newsworthy question on behalf of the American people.

They rejected the personal attacks on Holmes as beneath the office and inconsistent with the principles of a free press.