During a press briefing at the White House on August 17, 2026, President Donald Trump expressed frustration towards CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes after she inquired whether he had spoken with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump instructed Holmes to 'be quiet' and accused her of being a 'loud, boisterous person' and a 'fake reporter.' Holmes was attempting to clarify if Jong-un had requested a reduction in U.S. military exercises with South Korea.
In a social media post prior to the briefing, Trump mentioned his relationship with Kim Jong-un and his dissatisfaction with U.S. military exercises. Holmes attempted to follow up on her question, but Trump interrupted her, repeating his demand for her to be quiet.
The White House communications team criticized Holmes for her questioning, particularly regarding remarks made by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff about one of Trump's aides. The White House's Rapid Response account on X referred to Holmes as a 'disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment' and made personal attacks regarding her professionalism. In response, CNN defended Holmes, stating that she is a respected journalist and that personal attacks on reporters for asking questions are inappropriate and undermine press freedom.