Trump lashes out at CNN reporter over question about aide Natalie Harp

President Donald Trump lost his temper during a White House briefing after CNN White House correspondent Kristen Holmes asked about his relationship with 35-year-old aide Natalie Harp. As Holmes pursued a follow-up question, Trump repeatedly ordered her to be quiet and branded the exchange "fake news."

Earlier remarks from Democratic Senator John Ossoff — who mocked Mr. Trump at a rally in Georgia by suggesting the president would rather "build his own ballroom and travel with Natalie" than focus on governing — prompted Holmes to press Trump for a response. The president dismissed Ossoff in his reply, calling him "personal to P-V Herman" and insisting his administration was "fixing a White House he didn't care for."

When Holmes tried to switch topics to South Korea before Trump had finished answering, the president lost patience.

Outburst on live television

"Quiet. Quiet. Quiet!" Trump shouted at the reporter as video of the exchange circulated online. He then accused Holmes of being "very rude" in front of a 10-year-old guest, Nathaniel Ray, who was in the Oval Office after being rescued from dangerous waters off the California coast last month.

The White House's messaging arm also attacked Holmes on social media. An official account called her question "disgusting and inhumane" and posted:
"One day your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question. They will be disgusted and ashamed that their parent is so heartless and vindictive."

Natalie Harp, 35, is described by aides as one of the president's closest staffers and has become known in recent years as a kind of "human printer" who brings stacks of newspaper articles for Trump to read. Her proximity to the president has been the focus of renewed attention in recent weeks, including a controversial episode after last month's NATO summit in Turkey when some reports said Harp was among aides who swapped aircraft on the Ankara tarmac.

Holmes is CNN's chief White House correspondent and has worked for the network for more than 14 years. The tense exchange underscores continuing frictions between the administration and the press over questions about the president's personal circle.

Photo: Printskrin/Trusoshl