CNN slams White House for personal attacks on reporter over question on Trump aide

CNN has strongly defended senior White House correspondent Kristen Holmes following a personal attack by the White House over a question Holmes asked President Donald Trump about his aide Natalie Harp. The network expressed strong objection to the White House's "rapid response" account's disparaging remarks about Holmes, which included invoking Holmes' children.

CNN maintained that public officials are allowed to challenge reporting they disagree with, but personal attacks on journalists are inappropriate. The dispute erupted when Holmes questioned Trump about a comment made by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who accused Trump of prioritizing building a ballroom and traveling with Harp over his presidential duties.

Trump responded to Holmes, calling her disrespectful and a "fake reporter" and criticizing her for her role in the Air Force One aircraft swap. The White House's attack on Holmes also targeted her children, calling their actions "disgusting and inhumane."