Donald Trump: CNN journalist Kristen Holmes shut down by US President in White House clash

A journalist has been shut down by Donald Trump after the US President demanded she “be quiet” during a press appearance at the White House.

The confrontation happened on Monday during an Oval Office event where Mr Trump was answering questions from the media about his dealings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other issues surrounding the administration.

Mr Trump became visibly frustrated as CNN journalist Kristen Holmes questioned him. The US President lashed out at Ms Holmes, demanding she “be quiet.”

“Quiet. Quiet. Quiet,” Mr Trump said.

After asking Ms Holmes which news organisation she worked for, the President continued his tirade, saying, “You’re a fake reporter, and you report fake news.”

“You’re a loud, boisterous person. You’re fake news.”

Mr Trump’s attention was briefly turned to another reporter’s question about if there was enough food on the US Navy’s aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln.

The President answered by confirming there was, before he proceeded to lash CNN.

“It was a CNN fake report,” he continued.

But the fiery barrage of criticism was far from over despite the press conference coming to an end.

Later on social media, the White House called out Ms Holmes in a tagged X post that was published to the Rapid Response’s account.

“@KristenhCNN is a disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession,” the post read.

“These scumbags are the lowest of low.”

The White House doubled down in a separate, more personal social media post that targeted Ms Holmes’ children.

“Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question,” it said in a second post.

“They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive. It’s quite troubling.”

CNN said it “firmly” rejected “these attacks” in a response posted to X.

“Kristen Holmes is one of the most respected and accomplished journalists covering the White House,” the news outlet wrote.

“This afternoon, she did her job and asked the President of the United States a tough, relevant, and newsworthy question on behalf of the American people.

“Public officials are free to challenge reporting they disagree with, but personal attacks on journalists for asking questions are beneath the office and inconsistent with the principles of a free press.

“We stand firmly behind Kristen and reject these attacks in the strongest possible terms”.